Rare $2,000 Savannah Cat Stolen from Los Angeles Barbershop in Ram-Raiding Burglary

A South Los Angeles barbershop owner is pleading for the safe return of his beloved pet after burglars rammed a truck into the storefront on Thanksgiving Day, making off with tools, cash, and a rare Savannah cat valued at $2,000.

A Destructive Thanksgiving Break-In

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on November 27, 2025, at the LA Fresh Cuts Barbershop, located in the 1800 block of East Florence Avenue. Surveillance footage captured the dramatic moment a tan Toyota pickup truck backed directly through the front glass windows and walls of the business, leaving the interior in complete ruins.

Three masked suspects emerged from the vehicle and quickly ransacked the business, targeting high-value barbering equipment, styling machines, retail merchandise, and the cash register.

Beloved Pet Simba Targeted

Beyond the thousands of dollars in property damage and stolen tools, the thieves took the shop owner's three-year-old Savannah cat, Simba, who was resting inside a kennel. Savannah cats are a high-value hybrid breed, and the owner, Joe Gomez, believes the suspects targeted the animal specifically due to its rare breed and market value.

“He's not just a pet, he's a member of our family,” Gomez told reporters, expressing deep emotional distress over the loss. “We just want him back safe and sound. The tools can be replaced, but Simba cannot.”

Ongoing Investigation

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is actively investigating the ram-raid burglary. Detectives are reviewing security footage from neighboring businesses to identify the license plate of the tan Toyota pickup truck used in the crime. Anyone with information regarding Simba's whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities.