Phoenix optics shops reeling after three burglaries in under a week – local news
Three central Phoenix eyeglass stores have been targeted by burglars in the span of a week, resulting in significant financial losses and stolen merchandise. The shops affected by these crimes include Central Eyeworks, Van Buren Optical, and The Village Eye Works, all situated within close proximity to each other in central Phoenix. Surveillance footage from each establishment revealed that the same method was used by the perpetrator in each instance, causing concern among business owners that the thief may strike again, prompting them to seek assistance from the public in apprehending the culprit.
The Village Eye Works, a long-standing family-owned business, was particularly hard hit by the burglaries. Owner Bob Royden, who has been running the establishment since 1985, expressed the devastation caused by the swift actions of the criminal. Bob’s daughter, Steph Royden, recounted the rapid entry and thorough ransacking of their store, with the intruder brazenly making off with a multitude of sunglass frames of substantial value. The monetary losses from the incident tally up to an estimated $80,000 in damages, leaving the Royden family in a state of shock and vulnerability.
Located a mere mile away, Central Eyeworks faced a similar fate when the burglar struck, as witnessed by owner Tommy Libert. The perpetrator, arriving on a bicycle, used a rock from a nearby flower bed to shatter the shop’s window before systematically looting the premises, mirroring the same tactics employed at The Village Eye Works. Subsequently, Van Buren Optical also fell victim to a break-in, resulting in the theft of hundreds of dollars’ worth of merchandise.
In response to these troubling events, all three affected businesses are collaborating closely with the Phoenix police force to aid in the identification and capture of the individual responsible for the string of burglaries. Authorities are reaching out to the community for any information or security footage that may assist in the investigation and apprehension of the suspect.
The recent spate of burglaries has left the optical stores in Phoenix reeling from the financial setbacks and emotional toll inflicted by the criminal activities. The steadfast efforts of the business owners, in conjunction with law enforcement, aim to bring the responsible party to justice and prevent any further incidents from occurring within the local community. The urgent plea for public assistance underscores the collective resolve to safeguard the affected businesses and uphold the safety and security of the area’s commercial establishments.