SAN ANTONIO – A hole in a North Side auto shop trailer and a crack pipe are two pieces of evidence that may help police find out who broke into the shop during the weekend.
Security video shows the latest of several break-ins at Auto SATX on San Pedro, police said.
“They had some kind of crowbar on the door and they were able to disconnect one of the cameras,” said Matthew Ranjbar, Auto SATX owner.
Ranjbar said on Saturday the man in the surveillance video tried to get into the office by cutting a hole through the side of the trailer, but when that didn’t work, he forced his way through the door. He then stole a car jack and left behind pliers and a crack pipe, which police said they picked up as evidence.
"The other camera shows how they came over and they were so relaxed. They spent time, and I’m just happy they didn't take the expensive stuff,” Ranjbar said.
The shop is prone to burglary, Ranjbar said. There have been more than 15 since it opened less than two years ago, and each time the perpetrator is different. The shop manager said six months back, a man showed up with two young children and took a drive shaft from underneath a Chevy Silverado.
"The guy risked his life, removing the part and letting the truck roll forward. It almost went over him. He could've died," said Mfono Crabtree, Auto SATX manager.
Thieves have allegedly stolen everything from tires to tools, even though there are surveillance cameras throughout the property.
Despite about a dozen police reports, Ranjbar said there have been no arrests.
