A dozen businesses targeted in San Gabriel Valley burglary spree

AZUSA, Calif. (KABC) -- Police were on the hunt for suspects caught on camera during a burglary spree that targeted a dozen businesses in three Los Angeles County cities.

Restaurants, liquor stores beauty salons and food joints were hit Wednesday night and early Thursday in Glendora, Azusa and San Dimas.

Six locations were targeted in the San Dimas area, including four in the 800, 500 and 100 blocks of W. Arrow Highway and two in the 1100 block of Via Verde, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

In Azusa, a Super Liquor and Tasty BBQ Kitchen were broken into in the 300 block of N. Citrus Avenue, as well as two eateries along Alosta Avenue, and Louie's Liquor in the 500 block of E. Foothill Boulevard.

Rita's Italian Ice in the 800 block of W. Foothill Boulevard also fell victim.

Authorities were calling the crime spree a burglary string because the three suspects not only smashed in glass doors, they took cash from the locations as well.

Surveillance video clearly shows the suspects smashing their way into Super Liquor in Azusa and taking whatever they could grab before driving off.

"I think that people are desperate. The holidays are coming along and hopefully this isn't a trend, but, you know, criminals," said Jerry Ramirez, owner of La Villa Kitchen in San Dimas.

At Ramirez's business, the suspects seemed to know exactly where to go. According to the owners, they hit the safe, cash register and a donation jar for the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting.

Most merchants, though, said the burglars didn't get away with much, but the crimes have many wondering what they can do to protect their businesses.

"To do the bars or windows or, I mean, I don't know how to protect ourselves anymore," said Abraham Bedros, owner of Super Liquor.

Many of the businesses have similar surveillance images, which could help with the investigations. In the meantime, merchants were sweeping up and boarding up to try and prevent further theft.

An investigation remained opened as authorities looked for the suspects.