SHERMAN OAKS, LOS ANGELES — A Sherman Oaks jewelry store owner says he is living in fear after two suspects allegedly tunneled through a shared wall in an attempted early-morning burglary, damaging equipment inside the shop but ultimately leaving without stealing anything.
The incident occurred early Saturday at Neda Jewelry, according to the owner, who said he was alerted to unusual activity after his security system detected movement inside the store. When he checked surveillance footage, he watched as two individuals moved through the premises after entering through an unusual access point.
“They went through the restroom to my restroom and came in,” the owner said, describing how the suspects allegedly breached the business by tunneling through a connecting wall from the neighboring property. “Then the alarm went off.”
Once inside, the suspects were seen crawling across the floor and damaging point-of-sale and credit card processing machines. The owner said the individuals also attempted to access the store’s safe but were unsuccessful.
Security footage reviewed by the owner showed the suspects moving through the shop before fleeing as the alarm system activated.
Despite the break-in attempt, nothing was reported stolen. However, the damage left behind has added to what the owner describes as repeated targeting of his family-run business.
“This is not the first time,” he said, noting a similar burglary attempt in 2023 that also involved forced entry methods.
The owner expressed frustration and fear over ongoing crime in the area, saying the repeated incidents have taken both a financial and emotional toll on his family.
“We are afraid. We can’t sleep. From night to morning, we watch the camera,” he said. “I started working when I was 6… you get everything in one night from me. That’s not fair.”
The break-in is part of a broader wave of burglaries and attempted robberies reported across the San Fernando Valley in recent weeks. Authorities say they are investigating several incidents, including cases in Valley Glen and Studio City, though it is not yet known if they are connected.
Los Angeles police officials confirmed that the Sherman Oaks incident remains under active investigation. In response to rising concerns, city leadership has reportedly increased patrol deployments in affected commercial corridors, including Ventura Boulevard.
As of now, no suspects have been identified or arrested.