Sheriff’s detectives today were investigating a burglary in which dozens of people ransacked a Bellflower business while a street takeover involving an estimated 100 to 150 vehicles blocked the surrounding roadway.
Deputies responded about 3:30 a.m. Saturday to the 15100 block of Bellflower Boulevard — near Somerset Boulevard — after a caller reported seeing 20 to 30 people breaking into a business, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
When deputies arrived, they encountered what appeared to be a street takeover at Bellflower and Somerset, where roughly 100 to 150 vehicles were stopped in the roadway and intersection, blocking access to the business, the department stated.
Deputies made their way through the crowd and found a damaged front window and evidence the business had been ransacked.
Surveillance video showed three suspects using power tools to break the front window and cut a lock on a security gate, allowing approximately 30 to 40 additional people to enter the business and ransack it, according to the sheriff’s department. The group remained inside for about two minutes before leaving and blending into the street-takeover crowd.
The business owner was unable to provide an exact estimate of the damage and inventory loss, but deputies estimated the total at nearly $30,000. No arrests were made in connection with the burglary. Deputies issued multiple citations related to the street takeover but were unable to connect anyone cited to the burglary.
A sheriff’s department spokesperson told City News Service Sunday that it remained unknown whether the burglary was coordinated with the street takeover.
Anyone with information was urged to contact Lakewood Sheriff’s Station detectives at 562-623-3500. Anonymous tips may be provided through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.