UPDATE: A brazen theft has left an East Los Angeles bakery owner reeling after a thief stole an automatic card reader worth over $18,000. The incident, which took place on October 18, 2025, has sparked outrage among local business owners as crime rates in the area continue to rise.
Security footage from inside Rene’s Bakery on Whittier Boulevard captured the shocking moment when a woman, dressed in a dark hoodie and sunglasses, committed the theft. After purchasing items with cash to avoid detection, she swiftly snatched the card reader from the counter and fled the store without a trace, leaving owner Rene Ocampo devastated.
“This woman clearly planned this out,” Ocampo stated in an interview with KTLA’s Carlos Saucedo. “She paid with cash to leave no digital footprint. It’s incredibly frustrating to see someone benefit from my hard work.”
The bakery, which has served the community for four years, now faces a significant financial setback due to the theft. Ocampo expressed concern not only for his business but also for the safety of other local shops in the strip mall, which has been a target for crime.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident just last week, a nearby Metro by T-Mobile store also faced criminal activity. A would-be thief attempted to ram a van into the store but failed to breach the metal security gates. Giselle Lopez, a representative from Metro by T-Mobile, recounted, “That truck came at about one in the morning. He tried to get in but heard the alarm and fled.”
While the attempted break-in caused no injuries, the damages have left the storefront costly to repair. Investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are currently looking into both incidents, but no arrests have been made so far.
These incidents highlight a troubling trend in East Los Angeles, where small business owners are increasingly vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Ocampo and other local entrepreneurs are now calling for increased security measures and community support as they grapple with the impact of these crimes.
As authorities continue their investigation, local residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help combat the rising crime rate in the area. The community’s safety and the future of small businesses like Rene’s Bakery depend on collective efforts to address this urgent issue.
