LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A group of thieves made off with more than $100,000 worth of items that included high-end purses and shoes in a smash-and- grab burglary today in the Beverly Grove area.
The crime occurred shortly after 3 a.m. at the Amuze.com shop in the 100 block of South Robertson Boulevard, said Los Angeles police Officer Drake Madison.
As many as 10 suspects wearing dark clothing and masks used a sledgehammer to force their way into the “pop-up” boutique that had just opened Sunday, according to Madison and reports from the scene.
Madison said the suspects fled in three vehicles: a black Dodge Charger, a black Volkswagen, and an unknown-color Toyota.
Among the products handled by the store are women's and men's clothing, shoe and accessories, including brands such as Gucci and Christian Louboutin. While Amuze.com is an online retailer, the pop-up shop was opened for a warehouse sale, offering deep discounts on the high-end merchandise.
Store owner Chaya Chesner displayed a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes retailing for about $1,500 that was on sale at the store for $445.
Chesner estimated the thieves took about $100,000 to $200,000 worth of merchandise.
“They took a lot,” Chesner told KTLA5. “It's not like they just took five handbags and three pairs of shoes and four dresses and ran.”
She said the burglars also made off with the cash box from the store, but she and her husband had fortunately removed the cash Sunday night.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.