‘Smash and grab’ at Mike’s Camera in Menlo Park 

Around 4 a.m. on Monday, April 15, someone backed their car into the front glass window, to break into the store and steal equipment, of Mike’s Camera at 715 Santa Cruz Ave., according to Menlo Park police.

A sign at the front of the store, located in the heart of the city’s downtown, advises customers that the business is still open but to enter through the back door. Menlo Park Police spokesperson Nicole Acker said via email on Monday, April 22, that loss is unknown. Police located the vehicle involved, which had been reported to be stolen, involved nearby. There is security footage of the incident, she said.

Burglars hit the store, which sells photo and video cameras, and has printing services along with other photo equipment, numerous times from 2015-2017, according to The Almanac’s archives. During one incident, burglars smashed a display case and stole about 15 cameras worth around $6,240. In 2017, thieves pried open the back door to Mike’s Cameras, stealing six cameras and several lenses worth around $29,300.

The Almanac has reached out to Mike’s Camera for more details about what was taken and how much items were worth, along with what repairs to the store will cost.