Series of Pharmacy Burglaries and Smash-and-Grab Attempts Strike Montclair Businesses

MONTCLAIR, CA — Local law enforcement officials are warning business owners and residents alike following a string of commercial burglaries and smash-and-grab attempts targeting pharmacies across the Montclair area over the early months of 2026.

The pattern began in late January when police responded to reports of overnight break-ins at two separate local pharmacies. In both incidents, suspects utilized smash-and-grab tactics, shattering the front glass doors of the businesses to gain rapid entry and target prescription medications. The department launched a detailed investigation, releasing updates to the community in March as detectives tracked potential leads connecting the pharmacy break-ins to residential burglaries reported in nearby neighborhoods during the same timeframe.

Most recently, on April 17, 2026, an attempted smash-and-grab was reported at a Montclair CVS location. In this instance, the perpetrators' efforts to breach the establishment failed, and they fled the scene empty-handed before officers arrived. The Montclair Police Department is urging anyone with information, surveillance footage, or suspicious observations near commercial corridors during late-night or early-morning hours to contact local authorities immediately.