Even the possibility of getting caught will not stop the most brazen of criminals. The owner of a cottonwood business learned that the hard way this month after his laundromat was burglarized for loose change.
While small crimes often go unsolved, the owner hopes that by showing off the faces of two burglars, he can prevent other businesses from being victimized.
It happened quickly
“They knew exactly what they were doing, they brought the tools with them,” said Roy Schmidt, owner of the laundromat.
Two crooks walked into cottonwood wash and dry and walked out with a load of cash.
“They took me for a little over 400 dollars, the time inside the building, probably somewhere around 4 minutes, it was a smash and grab,” said Schmidt.
The burglars came into the laundromat and went straight to the change machine and started to pry it open, but what they didn't know was that security cameras were watching up above.
“I really thought it was a deterrent more than anything else, I did not think I would have need for them,” said Schmidt.
But those cameras caught the whole burglary on tape, and gave owner Roy Schmidt a clear picture of the perps.
“I think they are doing this on a regular basis, I don’t feel like I am the only victim,” said Schmidt.
And because of that, Schmidt wants people to take a hard look at these faces. If you recognize them, he says, turn them in before someone else is a victim.
“Smaller establishments than mine could have had difficulties, that could have been the profit for the month,” said Schmidt.
Learning from the lesson, Schmidt has upped his change machine security.
“I have taken a inch and a half quarter inch stainless strap, top to bottom, bolted it completely through the wall,” said Schmidt.
And while he won’t get the money back, he says busting some crooks will feel good.
“If I want to give money away, I want to choose who I give it to, not some knuckleheads in off the street,” said Schmidt.
This burglary happened at about 10:30 pm on December 20th. If you have any information, you are asked to call the Shasta County Sheriff's Department.
