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by James King
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Smash-and-grab break-ins have become a familiar headline across the Las Vegas valley in recent months.
From big box retailers to small, locally owned businesses, store owners say the crimes often happen quickly and leave thousands of dollars in damage and stolen merchandise. But even when surveillance footage is captured, arrests can be difficult to make.
Tony Lee, co-owner of Smoke and Fire, said break-ins like the one his restaurant experienced can be frustrating for business owners.
“It’s just unfortunate it's not a lot can be done with situations like this,” Lee said. “I know they tried their hardest to try to solve these crimes, but at the end of the day, there's probably bigger fish to fry than break-ins at local restaurants.”
Johnny Hansen, manager at Legacy Sports Cards, said his store has also seen an investigation stall despite law enforcement efforts.
“Right now, there are multiple officers like trying to apprehend them on the case, but so far no real leads it seems,” Hansen said.
Security experts say the way many of these crimes are carried out makes them difficult to solve.
Retired Henderson police officer and security consultant David Kohlmeier said suspects often take steps to limit the evidence they leave behind.
“You know, the problem these days is that most of these people are wearing masks, or they're wearing the mask, you know, like the COVID mask, and they're wearing gloves, and the burglaries are very, very quick,” Kohlmeier said. “So these days, unless there's a good witness that's nearby that actually sees the crime and sees the car that they basically get into.”
Investigators also say some of the thefts are tied to larger criminal networks.
Mike Rosa with the Nevada Organized Retail Crime Association said some groups operate across multiple states.
“Our Nevada investigators regularly see these criminal syndicates committing theft in one location, transporting that merchandise across state lines, and then fencing or redistributing the stolen product in another state entirely,” Rosa said.
During a press conference Monday, Rep. Susie Lee called for more federal coordination to combat organized retail crime.
“These are transnational organizations. We need a federal coordination. It's not something that can be handled on the local or state level,” Lee said. “I was approached by local retailers who really, especially in Nevada, were number six in the country in terms of victim cities of this type of crime.”
Kohlmeier said there are steps businesses can take to reduce risk, including installing stronger security film on windows and glass casings and making sure employees know how to respond if a break-in occurs.
“Everyone should be on the same game plan,” Kohlmeier said. “Look, we hope this doesn't happen. But if it does happen, this is what people should do.”
Even when cases take time to solve, Kohlmeier said arrests often come later as investigators connect suspects to multiple crimes.
He said when one person in a crime ring is caught, it can sometimes lead to the arrests of others involved.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.