LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Previously burglarized businesses in the Spring Mountain area say they now know what to look out for.
This comes as Metro asks for the public’s help identifying a burglary suspect now seemingly targeting the same area.
FOX5 heard from area businesses about the lessons they’ve learned, and they say it’s really all about seeing things differently, so they’re not victims again.
That shock of seeing his front door smashed in never wore off for Jae Yoo of 8oz Korean Steakhouse. Especially after hearing about another burglar recently caught on surveillance footage stealing from other nearby restaurants and businesses.
READ MORE: 100-page report details how Las Vegas police connected suspect to 34 burglaries
Now, Yoo is taking matters into his own hands on his regular laps around his restaurant.
“If I notice… unusual activities, like some people are just lingering around the parking lot without any reason to, then I make a note on a paper,” Yoo said. “What time of the day, and descriptions of what kind of clothing they were wearing.”
That way, if police or neighboring businesses ask about a shady character lurking around, Yoo can go back to his notes.
“I go over my chart and then see if there’s any matching the descriptions,” Yoo said.
Jade Dela Cruz’s restaurant, Nabe Hot Pot, right next door to the Korean steakhouse was also burglarized in August 2024.
She’s happy to know her neighbor keeps detailed notes, and that Metro didn’t forget about them.
“Right now, we’re thankful because the police here always check on us and always update us,” Dela Cruz said.
Dela Cruz adds that the police’s increased patrols in the area are noticeable. Our FOX5 crew also noticed more flashing lights in nearby parking lots, which police say is a way to discourage car break-ins.
But Dela Cruz says it’s not always enough, but she’s found it helpful to leave her windows open so customers can always see their cars.
“Even if it’s not always at night, it’s at lunchtime. It’s always happening, people trying to break the windows,” Dela Cruz said.
Another lesson learned by Dela Cruz is not to leave any money in the restaurant overnight.
The burglary suspect who hit up the businesses FOX5 talked to Wednesday night and 30 others was arrested in November after a monthslong search.
A third nearby business tells FOX5 they were targeted in last year’s crime spree and had $20,000 stolen. The owner said police parked in his lot nearly every day until the thief was caught.
Metro police are still searching for the most recent burglar hitting the area.
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