Costumed Assailant Targets Local Business with Repeated Break-Ins
By Keemia Zhang
Local business Westwood Sporting Goods has reportedly been the subject of break-ins by a recurring, disguised intruder, according to the Los Angeles Police Department and store owner Richard Hartman as reported by KTLA.com.
“Somebody’s been trying to break into my shop for probably the last two months [..] It’s getting very annoying.” Hartman expressed. The store has faced “at least seven” attempts by the same costumed assailant. Security camera surveillance footage displayed the man, who wore a mask to hide his identity, dressed up in a sheriff’s deputy outfit as well as a firefighter uniform on two separate occasions.
Only one break-in attempt was successful, with the thief fleeing from the scene into an alley at the sound of the store’s alarm as Hartman’s wife called 911. “I drove my van down the alley, jumped out of my car, and said, ‘Hey!’ and he looked at me and started running, so I started chasing him,” Hartman recounted, with the intruder escaping in a silver 2023 Lexus convertible after police had told him to end his pursuit, in fear that the subject might be armed.
“They’ve been sticking screws in my door and breaking it, so I can’t get in the shop,” said Hartman. “I’ve replaced the locks at least five or six times. It’s very frustrating. It’s cost me over $1,000 in locksmith fees.” The LAPD informed Hartman that limited action could be taken toward the break-ins, aside from increasing patrol cars and police presence in the area.
The most recent break-in attempt occurred around 4:00 p.m. last Sunday. Hartman remarked that he’d like to tell the intruder to cease his efforts – “He wants a racket, let me know.”
Hartman took over Westwood Sporting Goods, which primarily sells tennis-related equipment, from his stepfather in 1994, with the store celebrating its 90th anniversary next year. The store has retained several historical artifacts on display, including tennis balls signed by famed players and its original 1934 cash register. Since its founding, the store has been providing rackets to UCLA men’s and women’s teams and tennis legends like Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe, and Boris Becker.
The store, located at 1065 Gayley Ave, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday.