String of comm'l burglaries hurt businesses

Although 154 commercial burglaries occurred in the Fallbrook/Bonsall area in 2006, the Sheriff’s Department crime analysis office says that represents a decrease of 22 percent (46 incidences) compared to 2005.

While the numbers were better in 2006, in terms of statistical data, it doesn’t discount the fact that several Fallbrook and Bonsall businesses have suffered significant losses from a string of burglaries this month and some have incurred notable expenses in order to better protect themselves against future crimes. Detective Jeff Lauhon confirmed there has been a slight upswing in commercial crime over the past few weeks.

“Twenty-eight commercial burglaries were reported to the Sheriff’s Department between October 1, 2006, and January 25, 2007,” Detective Lauhon said. “Twenty-two of those were in the downtown area of Fallbrook.” From January 1 to January 25, six were reported, five in the downtown district.

“[Commercial burglaries] are up a bit; I’m getting a few more than I normally do,” Lauhon said, adding that, in a few cases, burglars were foiled in their attempts.

Businesses affected include three restaurants, several liquor stores and discount merchandise and clothing stores.

In one burglary during the early morning hours of January 10, in the 500 block of South Main, an extensive amount of damage was done by the perpetrators. Detective Lauhon said of this incident, “We saw a little more sophistication on this one. It was not your typical ‘kicking the door in.’” Following the crime, the owner of this business commissioned extensive ironwork to the building to make it more secure.

“There was significant loss experienced by this business,” Lauhon said.

On the evening of January 13, an armed robbery took place at a discount merchandise store in the 800 block of South Main.

“No one was injured,” Lauhon said. The gun-carrying perpetrator has been described as a black male adult, age 22 to 27, 6’2”, 140 pounds, thin build.

The Sheriff’s Department advises business owners to take as many security measures as they can. Wireless alarms have been successful in some of the foiled burglary attempts.

“Also,” Lauhon suggested, “if people are out and about at night and they see someone loitering around a business, please call 9-1-1 to have the Sheriff’s Department investigate it.”