URGENT UPDATE: A wave of thefts has struck small businesses in East Los Angeles, leaving owners devastated. Rene Ocampo, owner of Rene’s Bakery, reports losing over $18,000 after a brazen thief stole an automatic card reader during a busy moment over the weekend.
Footage from the bakery’s security cameras reveals the incident, which occurred on October 18, 2025. The suspect, a woman clad in a dark hoodie and sunglasses, cleverly paid cash for her items. But as the cashier briefly stepped away, she swiftly snatched the card reader from the counter and exited as if nothing had happened.
Ocampo expressed frustration, stating, “It’s not fair that this alleged thief is benefiting from my hard work.” He believes the theft was premeditated, designed to avoid leaving any digital traces. This incident has left him and other business owners in the area concerned about escalating crime.
In a separate but related incident, a nearby Metro by T-Mobile store was targeted by an attempted break-in. Surveillance footage shows a suspect in a white van attempting to ram the storefront early in the morning. Giselle Lopez, an employee at the store, recounted the chaos: “He tried to get into the store, pushing it with his van and broke into it, but heard the alarm and fled.”
The damage from both incidents has left a significant impact on these small businesses. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating both cases, but as of now, no arrests have been made.
As small business owners face mounting challenges, including theft and vandalism, the community is rallying for increased safety measures. Many are calling for stronger security solutions and increased police presence to deter crime.
Local residents and business owners are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as investigations proceed.
Stay tuned for the latest developments on this urgent issue affecting East L.A. businesses.
