In the face of escalating brazen thefts, a California shoe store owner has devised an unconventional security measure to protect his business. Roman Gonzales, the owner of DripOnDrip in Fresno, experienced firsthand the devastating impact of robbery when his previous shoe store was ransacked in November 2023. Determined to prevent further losses, Gonzales implemented a simple yet effective strategy: emptying his store’s display floor nightly, leaving only empty cash registers visible from the outside. This tactic aims to deter potential thieves by creating the illusion of an unprofitable target.
The effectiveness of this approach was put to the test on December 30th. Just after 4 a.m., two white sedans arrived at the storefront. One of the vehicles rammed through the glass entrance, allowing several masked and hooded individuals to rush inside. Security cameras captured the entire incident, revealing the thieves’ evident shock and frustration upon discovering the store was devoid of merchandise. Gonzales, while disheartened by the damage to his store, couldn’t help but point out the futility of the thieves’ actions. He noted that a simple glance through the windows would have revealed the empty shelves, saving them time and effort.
Gonzales’s strategy extends beyond simply clearing the display floor. He intentionally leaves behind a display of right-footed shoes, rendering them essentially worthless to thieves. He explains that a single shoe holds no resale value, making the act of stealing them pointless. While the thieves did manage to grab a few stray backpacks and a couple of the right-footed shoes, the overall impact of the break-in was significantly minimized.
Despite this preventative measure, the December 30th incident wasn’t the first time Gonzales’s store had been targeted. He admits that the recurring experience of seeing his business damaged remains shocking and disheartening. However, the swift response of the River Park shopping center security, who were alerted by the triggered alarm, provided some solace. By the time Gonzales arrived at the store around 6 a.m., the storefront had already been boarded up. He expressed gratitude for the security team’s prompt action, acknowledging their contribution to his sense of security in continuing to operate at the location.
The River Park shopping center management has also taken steps to enhance security measures in the wake of the break-in. They have confirmed plans to increase overnight patrols and are considering installing safety poles in front of Gonzales’s store. These poles would act as physical barriers, preventing vehicles from accessing the sidewalks and potentially ramming into the storefront.
This incident underscores the increasing challenges faced by businesses grappling with brazen theft. Gonzales’s innovative approach, while effective in mitigating losses, highlights the need for proactive security measures in today’s retail environment. The combination of his proactive strategy and the shopping center’s enhanced security measures aims to create a safer and more secure environment for businesses and shoppers alike. The incident also serves as a reminder of the resourcefulness of business owners like Gonzales who, faced with adversity, find creative solutions to protect their livelihoods. While the empty shelves may not deter all criminals, they certainly send a clear message: there are easier targets to be found. The added security measures implemented by the shopping center, coupled with Gonzales’s unique approach, offer a multi-layered defense against future break-ins. This combined approach aims not only to protect individual businesses but also to create a more secure shopping environment for the entire community.
