Tuesday, June 8, 2010 • Police continue to investigate burglaries and vandalism

Publisher’s note: This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, June 8, 2010 edition of the Lassen County Times.

The Health Nut, Starbucks and Port of Subs are the most recent businesses that as of now are being investigated in connection to a string of burglary incidents that has been plaguing Susanville as early as May 11.

According to Police Captain Tom Downing, the SPD is investigated 12 incidents involving vandalism and commercial burglary within the city limits. According to Downing, a front window at each business is smashed for suspects to gain entry in each case, which have all occurred at night.

Downing confirmed that the most recent string of burglaries occurred during the night of Wednesday, June 2. Businesses that were hit included Starbucks, The Health Nut and Port of Subs.

Downing confirmed there was minimal damage done to the interior of both Port of Subs and the Health Nut, yet money was stolen from inside both businesses. Police could not immediately confirm what kind of damage or how much money was stolen from Starbucks.

Judy Galassi has owned the Papa Murphy’s Pizza in Susanville for roughly 17 years, and it was one of the first businesses that was hit. Her business was hit the night of May 11, and she said it started with a rock being thrown through her window.

“There was no cash in the cash register, so whoever broke in threw the register through the drive-through window while it was still plugged in,” Galassi said.

Galassi also said some knives were stolen, as well as numerous amounts of damage to the interior, including slashed bags of ingredients. Galassi said more than $400 of gift certificates were also taken.

Galassi said this isn’t the first time her business has been burglarized or vandalized over the years. As frustrating as it is, she said the only thing you can really do is clean up and move on.

Offering advice to other business owners, Galassi said one of the most important things is to keep your eyes open.

“You see signs for all over the subway system in New York; If you see something, say something,” Galassi said. “Amateur thieves think there’s always money in a business, but any good merchant will tell you to never leave money in a business at the end of the day.”

Downing said the nature of the incidents is very brazen, based on how many of the businesses are either on or near Main Street.

“We are encouraging any witnesses or anyone with any knowledge of the incidents to either call us at the department or stop by the station,” Downing said.

Police Chief Jeff Atkinson said while the department continues pursuing the case, business owners should use sound judgment when it comes to protecting their businesses from being victimized.

“People need to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary,” Atkinson said. “If anything seems out of place or if you see anyone acting suspiciously near your business, you can call us.”

Atkinson also advised businesses not to leave large sums of money on site at the end of the day, and for those business owners with alarms to always make sure they’re armed during off-hours.

Another suggestion for owners would be to leave a light inside the business at the end of the day, either to cast a shadow or to give the impression that the building isn’t empty.