Thieves use truck to burglarize smoke shop in Chatsworth

In a brazen early morning heist, a group of masked thieves used a pickup truck to break into a smoke shop in Chatsworth on Thursday. The owner, George Tomua, reported that the thieves made off with thousands of dollars in merchandise, leaving him with significant repair costs. This incident marks a troubling pattern for Tomua, who expressed his frustration, urging the suspects to "go work hard for your money" instead of resorting to crime. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the burglary and is exploring potential links to a similar incident at a cannabis dispensary in North Hollywood. This second burglary occurred just hours after the smoke shop break-in, raising suspicions among investigators. Both crimes share notable similarities, including the use of vehicles to gain entry. In the North Hollywood incident, the suspects drove an SUV into the dispensary, causing extensive damage and ultimately becoming lodged inside the store. Authorities believe that the SUV may have been used as a getaway vehicle following the earlier smash-and-grab at Tomua's shop, suggesting a coordinated effort by the criminals. As the investigation unfolds, local business owners remain on high alert, concerned about the rising trend of targeted burglaries in the area. The LAPD is urging anyone with information about the incidents to come forward to assist in apprehending the suspects involved.