Burglar Breaks Into Panorama City Smoke Shop, Video Shows

PANORAMA CITY, CA — Newly released surveillance footage captures the moment a lone burglar broke into a smoke shop in Panorama City, executing a fast-paced heist that left the business with thousands of dollars in losses.

The burglary occurred on October 10, 2025. The video shows the suspect approaching the shop's glass door and using a specialized tool to shatter the security glass. Once a small opening was made, the suspect crawled inside, navigating the dark store with a flashlight.

Within seconds, the intruder began clearing shelves behind the main counter, focusing on high-end vaping equipment, specialty tobacco products, and cash from the register. The suspect brought a large trash bag to collect the merchandise, filling it to capacity before exiting through the same broken entrance. The entire incident lasted less than three minutes, indicating a high degree of planning or familiarity with the store layout.

The shop owner expressed frustration over the incident, noting that insurance deductibles and security upgrades often cost more than the value of the stolen items themselves. Investigators from the LAPD's Mission Area division are examining the video quality and seeking tips from the public to identify the suspect, who was wearing dark clothing and a face mask during the robbery.