Fairfax Experiences Wave of Smash-and-Grab Incidents, One Person Arrested
Multiple Businesses Targeted in Break-Ins Along Melrose Avenue in Fairfax District
LOS ANGELES – Early Tuesday morning, a series of break-ins impacted several small businesses along Melrose Avenue in the Fairfax District. One suspect was arrested as the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to the incidents.
Approximately three hours after the spree began at 4 a.m., officers arrived at Milk Bar, one of the affected businesses. Despite the vandalism, it remains unclear what, if anything, was stolen from this location. Following the disturbance, security footage from nearby NailBay captured two masked individuals using a stolen cash register to forcibly break a glass storefront while fleeing with electronics and cash.
The businesses targeted include:
- Milk Bar, located at 7150 Melrose Avenue
- NailBay, located at 7201 Melrose Avenue
- LALA’s Argentine Grill, located at 7229 Melrose Avenue
NailBay’s owner, Ny Truong, commented, “Somebody got inside and they took the cash register, the iMac, and maybe more inside.” Bert Song, the owner of a neighboring coffee shop, recounted, “We have footage of someone coming up and throwing a register drawer right into our door, but it didn’t break.” He further noted that his establishment had also been a victim of a break-in the previous year, reflecting the ongoing challenges businesses face in the area.
While officers have made one arrest, details about the suspects and the total number of individuals involved have not yet been disclosed. Additionally, investigators have not confirmed any connections between the incidents apart from their timing and location.
The LAPD urges anyone with information regarding the break-ins to contact them at 213-486-5910.
