A bicycle store owner based in West Hollywood is having to boost his store’s defense mechanisms following consistent attacks from thieves in the past few weeks. On three distinct occasions, his establishment fell under the radar of criminals. The first two endeavors by these culprits were unfruitful. However, their persistence paid off in their third attempt, successfully making away with a handsome payload of stolen bikes on a recent Tuesday.
Running a thriving business on Santa Monica Boulevard for 15 years, the shop titled ‘Bikes and Hikes’ has faced its share of criminal activity over the years. Shop proprietor, Danny Roman, is grappling with these recent break-ins, which have been unusually staggering compared to past incidents. There are clear indicators from the security footage that display how the criminals managed to gain access to his shop on that fateful Tuesday.
The surveillance footage paints a clear picture of two individuals shrouded in hoods and masks, who managed to discreetly unlock the shop door. Before they moved further in their plans, they can be seen checking the surroundings for any potential watchers. Danny Roman narrated the incident, pointing out the audacity with which these criminals operated.
Recalling the troubling incident, Roman remarked: ‘In a span of just over an hour, they deftly broke into my store, stole a number of bicycles, swiftly moved them out, doubled back for more, and repeated their heinous act. All this while fully concealed and on one of LA’s most bustling streets.’
At this point, Roman is crunching the numbers to ascertain the total losses. The preliminary inference strongly suggests that the stolen bikes collectively could rack up a value that exceeds $25,000. Amid the stolen items were several bicycles that were undergoing tune-ups ahead of a scheduled group trip to the popular Burning Man festival.
Commenting on the unfortunate coincidence, Roman said: ‘There was supposed to be a departure for Burning Man tomorrow, thus, obviously, all members of the group are quite anxious.’ However, he was keen to add, there was a silver lining of sorts. The members were furnished with new bicycles, just in time for their much-anticipated festival pilgrimage.
Roman harbors a strong suspicion that the thugs behind this recent spate of robberies are the same individuals who had previously attempted break-ins at his store. Stepping up his efforts to curb such nuisance, Roman declared a reward of $1,000 for valuable information that would successfully assist in apprehending the criminals.
Having faced two unsuccessful burglaries where his storefront window took the brunt of the attack, Roman considers this bounty a worthy investment for ensuring not just his peace, but the safety of the neighborhood. Simultaneously, he’s made the decision to shell out even more funds to enhance his store’s security measures.
Among the security upgrades, Roman is including the addition of new cameras throughout his store. Additionally, he’s planning on replacing the existing windows with more secure ones and improving the security gate’s features. Dealing with three break-ins in a matter of weeks has led him to consider every possible preventative measure.
In a final statement, Roman unveils his vision for Bikes and Hikes facing this unexpected adversity: ‘We are now gearing up to install high-end security shutters tomorrow, which are quite an investment.’ With a sardonic laugh, he added, ‘we’re essentially turning our store into a veritable Fort Knox.’
Bike theft is a growing concern for local businesses, especially those like Bikes and Hikes, that offer high-end, expensive products. Roman’s security overhaul serves as a prime example of the extents business owners are having to go to in order to protect their livelihoods and most importantly, their customers.
However, Roman remains optimistic and determined. Despite the setbacks, he’s committed to serving his customers and maintaining the thriving business he’s spent 15 years building. His resilience serves as a reminder of the strength of local businesses in the face of adversity.
While such incidents are a harsh reminder of some of the risks that come with running a business, the prompt response and precautionary measures taken by Roman showcases the resilience and adaptability of small businesses. It’s a testament to their integral role in building and keeping the local community secure.