URGENT UPDATE: A barbershop in South Los Angeles has been devastated after burglars broke in early Thanksgiving morning, stealing thousands of dollars in equipment and the shop’s beloved pet cat, Simba. The community is now on high alert as the owner, Joe Gomez, pleads for help in finding those responsible.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., surveillance footage captured the shocking moment when masked burglars smashed their way into LA Fresh Cuts on East Florence Avenue. “They pretty much just destroyed my business in two minutes,” Gomez stated, expressing his disbelief at the rapid destruction.
Once inside, the thieves targeted high-value items, stealing barber tools, inventory, and a significant amount of cash—approximately $14,000—that was intended for the shop’s fantasy football leagues. However, the most heart-wrenching loss was that of Simba, the shop’s cherished mascot. “They ran to the back, took the cat, and carelessly just threw him on the back of the car,” Gomez recounted.
The surveillance video shows Simba, a Savannah cat, frantically searching for help as the burglars made off with him in his kennel. “It’s not just any cat; he’s a family member,” Gomez emphasized, reinforcing the emotional weight of the situation.
Gomez has taken immediate action, sleeping at the barbershop to prevent further break-ins while detectives comb through the surveillance footage for leads. “I’ve been sleeping on this couch,” he said, determined to safeguard his remaining property.
In a heartfelt message to the criminals, Gomez stated, “Not only did you take away a family member, but you’re taking away from the community. Please, bring Simba back.”
In response to the significant financial burden caused by the burglary, LA Fresh Cuts has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with repairs and recovery.
As the community rallies around Gomez and his shop, the urgency to locate Simba and bring the thieves to justice grows. Local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community support in these trying times.
Stay tuned for the latest developments in this ongoing investigation, as the hunt for both the stolen cat and the culprits continues.
