Riverside, CA—In the early hours of August 9, 2024, a smoke shop on Tyler Street in Riverside was the target of a brazen burglary, resulting in an estimated loss of $100,000.
According to the Riverside Police Department, the incident occurred around 1:44 a.m. when officers were dispatched to the business at 4773 Tyler Street after an alarm was triggered. Riverside Police Public Information Officer Ryan Railsback stated that the store owner alerted authorities after witnessing the break-in on security footage. The footage revealed that a vehicle had rammed into the storefront, allowing three suspects to gain entry and steal various items.
The suspects, who were seen rummaging through the store, fled the scene in a different vehicle after loading up on tobacco products and accessories. The car used to ram the store was later determined to have been stolen.
The store owners, who have operated the business for just five months, reported this as their first encounter with such criminal activity. They are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and losses.