Local juice and fruit bar in Calexico burglarized

Two suspects were caught on surveillance footage breaking and entering into the business and stealing the register

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Tropicana Juice and Fruit Bar's front glass window was shattered by one suspect who then ransacked the front counter stealing the cash register before handing it off to the second suspect waiting outside on July 22, 2022, according to the Calexico Police Department.

Tropicana did have surveillance footage inside and the video revealed the theft happened around 1:00 am.

According to the Calexico Police Department, the owner Anabel Lippmann and her daughter Bridgette Lippmann disclosed there was no cash in the register but the cash register value is approximately $1,800.00.

"They don't steal our money but it's more damages that they make, so that's affecting us also cause the little money we have extra, it goes to the windows," says Bridgette.

The Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects.

The video surveillance shows the suspect who forced entry was wearing a white t-shirt over his head, dark colored shirt and camouflaged shorts with white shoes.

The second suspect is seen wearing a tan baseball hat, black shirt, and blue jeans with dark shoes.

Sgt. Manuel Ceja says both suspects seem to be Hispanic men and they were seen running east from the front doors of the business.

Tropicana Juice and Fruit Bar has been in business for two years and the Lippmann's say the burglaries didn't start until this year.

According to Bridgette, this is the fourth time in three months their business has been burglarized.

The store still has a boarded window from the last burglary on May 30th.

“We're very stressed, we don’t know what to do anymore," says Anabel. "One incident a homeless guy came in with a backpack with a gun and a knife.”

She fears for her family and says having to move is on the table.

Anabel believes these burglaries are happening because of a lane closure blocking their entrance.

Sgt. Ceja says it's unfortunate, but there has been an uptick in theft-related crimes.

"We have seen the crimes against persons which are theft related and theft-related crimes against vehicles, residential and unfortunately against persons," says Ceja. "We have seen an increase due to sadly unemployment has gone up as well too and people are just in a necessity state in their life right now where they're leading to crimes where they typically don't do."

According to the police department, there have been 119 theft-related crimes already this year and nine robberies.

Sgt. Ceja recommends investing in security to protect your belongings.

"What we do recommend is get an audible alarm if you can afford one which can notify the police department," says Sgt. Ceja. "Second, if you can get some type of security bars in the interior of your business, that would be a great deterrent." 

Sgt. Ceja says the two suspects are facing felony burglary and felony vandalism charges.

If you have any information or recognize the suspects, you're asked to contact the Calexico Police Department at 760-768-2140.