Santa Rosa Shutterbug Camera Shops hit by consecutive commercial burglaries

SANTA ROSA, CA — A local camera retailer is reeling after being targeted twice within a span of two weeks by organized crews of thieves, resulting in over $110,000 in stolen merchandise and significant property damage.

The first break-in occurred early in the morning on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Shutterbug Camera Shops location in Santa Rosa. A group of approximately eight suspects used a stolen black Lexus sedan to ram through the store's glass storefront. Once inside, the burglars quickly smashed display cases and grabbed nearly $100,000 worth of premium camera equipment before fleeing and abandoning the stolen vehicle nearby. Despite the extensive damage, store owner Mike Paschke managed to temporarily repair the store and reopen by Sunday.

However, less than two weeks later, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the store was struck again. Because the front entrance was still boarded up from the first incident, the crew targeted the rear of the property, breaking through a back door. During this second raid, the suspects stole an additional $10,000 in inventory.

According to law enforcement, these burglaries are part of a broader, organized pattern targeting independent camera stores across the Bay Area and Northern California, with similar incidents reported in San Rafael, Berkeley, and San Jose. Investigations into both burglaries remain active as Santa Rosa police work to identify the suspects involved.