Pasadena Police Aided in Takedown of $2.6 Million Eyewear Burglary Crew

Pasadena police assisted in a multi-agency investigation that led to the arrest of six suspects tied to a burglary ring accused of stealing more than $2.5 million in high-end eyewear and causing nearly $500,000 in property damage across Southern California, authorities announced Tuesday.

The Los Angeles Police Department said three men and three juveniles were taken into custody in connection with a series of smash-and-grab burglaries that targeted designer eyewear boutiques and similar retailers between February and July in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The juveniles were not identified due to their age.

Pasadena police were among several agencies — including departments in Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach, Alhambra, Beverly Hills and San Diego — that collaborated with LAPD investigators by sharing surveillance footage, vehicle data and case notes, according to an LAPD statement.

The ongoing investigation, officially titled “The Shade Snatchers,” has identified at least 10 suspects, including documented gang members and repeat offenders of property crimes, police said.

“Each burglary followed a similar pattern,” the LAPD said. “The suspects used stolen vehicles, usually older SUVs or pickup trucks, to crash through store fronts and bypass security measures during the early morning hours. Once inside, multiple suspects carrying laundry baskets or storage bins quickly stole designer eye wear, handbags and other merchandise before fleeing in coordinated convoys of follow-up vehicles.”

The LAPD estimates the crew stole approximately $2.68 million in merchandise and caused $499,000 in property damage. Investigators linked the same suspects and vehicles to multiple crime scenes through surveillance footage and forensic evidence. The vehicles used to breach storefronts were often stolen from South Los Angeles neighborhoods just hours before the burglaries, police said.

“Examined video evidence confirmed that multiple suspects were stationed at or near the burglary locations during the crimes,” the LAPD said.

Burglary detectives from the LAPD’s North Hollywood station led the investigation with support from the department’s Metropolitan, Commercial Crimes, and Gangs and Narcotics divisions. Officers obtained multiple search and arrest warrants as part of the operation.

The arrested adults were identified as Phillip T. Harris, 37, of Bellflower; Orlando D. Neal, 37, of Los Angeles; and Rasheed Reed, 25, of Compton.

Police posted surveillance video from one of the burglaries on the department’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/watch?v=jl0KcLgtbLY.

Anyone with information is urged to contact LAPD detectives at 818-754-8377 or 213-486-6940.