Two people were caught on camera breaking into San Diego Tackle Traders recently and the San Diego Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible. There has been a string of break-ins at these types of businesses resulting in large losses to shop owners.
The thieves, in this instance, were seen wearing masks as they ransacked the business.
"They busted through a couple of our doors,” said Dave Nichols who owns San Diego Tackle Traders with his twin brother. “They brought with them a bunch of tools and used a battering ram.”
In the video, the suspects can be heard ramming the security doors. While it took them awhile to break through, once they were inside, they got out in around a minute.
This is the second time the family's shop has been targeted in recent months. In the first break-in, the shop lost almost $100,000 in merchandise. This time, thieves made off with $10,000 to $15,000 in merchandise which included 15 gold reels and bags of vintage fishing lures.
"They grabbed those on the way out,” Nichols said.
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His is just one in a string of tackle shop burglaries that have occurred this year in San Diego.
"They're targeting family owned businesses - people that are just trying to support their family,” Nichols said.
Insurance has covered the merchandise losses so far, but the shop has to pay for repairs, increased premiums and the cost of adding security improvements – now, for a second time.
Nichols fears if it happens again, his insurance may drop him.
While shop owners have searched online and in person for the stolen items nothing has turned up.
"We're not sure where it is but my theory is potentially overseas or elsewhere or across the border somewhere,” Nichols said. “We just want to find these guys. I don't know if they're working together or targeting us for some other reason.”
