Between Dec. 28 and Jan. 6, four small businesses along Colorado Boulevard fell victim to burglaries, prompting Council member Kevin de León to approve a $100,000 budget to enhance foot patrolling in the Eagle Rock neighborhood.
Malbec Market, an Argentinian restaurant and market with locations in Eagle Rock and Pasadena, recently suffered a break-in Jan. 7, according to owner Luciano Alcorta. Alcorta said a thief broke into their location on Colorado Boulevard, stealing cash and wine bottles and damaging the main entrance glass. Alcorta said he arrived at the scene to find four police cars already present, as residents had notified him of the burglary. This incident prompted a press conference in front of the store, where De León and the LA Police Department discussed the burglaries and proposed increased foot patrols. According to Alcorta, he believes increased police presence will benefit local businesses and the community, particularly in Eagle Rock, which he said could be more vulnerable due to its minimal foot traffic and quaint neighborhood feel.
“I think that [more police] will bring a sense of security to the streets. I know it will make the streets a little more friendly to walk around. I think it helps this sense of safety and invites families to take their kids for a walk,” Alcorta said. “With a more positive presence we have on busy streets in Colorado [Boulevard], it creates a more familiar environment, and that scares robbers away.”
Kaila Wittner-White (sophomore) said that while more police will not deter her from exploring Eagle Rock, it will make her feel uneasy and more wary of her surroundings.
“Because of my own identity as a Black woman, hearing that they will be around more doesn’t necessarily feel good,” Wittner-White said. “I do understand that these are small businesses and they are looking for protection. I just wonder if they thought of any other ways to reduce crime before resorting to an increase in policing.”
Found Coffee, one of the targeted establishments, endured significant damage to its floor-to-ceiling windows and was rifled through for cash, as reported by The Eastsider. Owner Annie Choi said she is skeptical about the efficacy of De León’s initiative. She said Found Coffee has had five break-ins since its establishment in 2015.
“Once during a break-in, it took five hours for the police [to arrive],” Choi said. “I just feel like allocating a budget for more police presence – and if that police presence is not available – I don’t know if that will help.”
According to Choi, ensuring her business is safe from these incidents comes with a cost.
“I’m considering even more robust security bars, that I recently received a quote this week for $25,000 while protecting my business, but essentially to protect my landlord’s building,” Choi said. “And, these leases are temporary, so $25,000 to a small business owner is not chump change.”
Looking ahead, Choi said she remains uncertain about the extent to which the increased foot patrol would mitigate incidents, having already encountered them on five separate occasions.
“I am hopeful that increased foot patrol or police presence will deter burglars,” Choi said. “But honestly, because I’m so desensitized to these break-ins at this point, I don’t know what the solution is.”
Contact Eliana Joftus joftus@oxy.edu
