Surveillance cameras captured a thief using a rock to pry open the front door of a Long Beach animal surgery clinic Monday morning.
The nonprofit clinic, known as The Fix Project, offers low-cost spay and neuter services, along with other procedures.
According to the clinic’s CEO, Diana Kliche, the robbery happened around 1:20 a.m., just about 20 minutes after one of the clinic’s veterinarians had finished surgery and left the building.
The video shows the thief, rock in hand, rolling it up and throwing it at the door of the clinic to enter the facility.
“The man in the video first tried to enter the premises with a crowbar and then, when that didn’t work, he threw a rock through the window, after he had already thrown a brick at our volunteer’s van” , said Kliche. KTLA.
The volunteer, who was caring for puppies at the clinic overnight, had been sleeping in a back room of the facility and did not hear the man as he ransacked the offices, made off with thousands of dollars in computer equipment and cash from the safe.
“We are very thankful that none of our dogs were injured and that (the volunteer) was not injured,” said the nonprofit’s CEO.
Kliche added that they believe the man was working with someone else because he seemed to know exactly where the things were and what he wanted to take. He was seen making several trips in and out of the facility, taking out all the equipment.
“It took almost all of our computers. We just updated our software and have all new computers and laptops,” Kliche said.
The thief also made off with the necessary veterinary equipment, forcing the clinic to close for the day and cancel most scheduled special surgeries. They will probably have to cancel the procedures for the end of the week as well.
A thief caught on surveillance cameras entering The Fix Project veterinary clinic in Long Beach on June 12, 2023. (Diana Kliche)
A man seen moments before throwing a rock through the door of The Fix Project veterinary clinic in Long Beach on July 12, 2023. (Diana Kliche)
Damage to the front during a walk-in at The Fix Project veterinary clinic in Long Beach on June 12, 2023. (Diana Kliche)
“We try to help anyone who comes in. We are a low-cost surgical center. We do a lot of pro bono work and help a lot of homeless and low-income people, so it’s devastating for someone to do this to us,” explained Kliche.
After entering the clinic, the thief broke into several cars on the street.
The non-profit veterinary clinic has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of replacing their medical equipment, computers and making repairs to the facilities.
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