San Rafael

Another Bay Area photography store targeted in string of ‘ram raid’ robberies

By Aidin Vaziri,

3 days ago
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Seawood Photo in San Rafael became the latest victim of a ram-raid robbery early Monday morning, marking another chapter in a string of similar crimes across the Bay Area. (Seawood Photo)

Another Bay Area photography store was hit by ram-raid robbers early Monday, marking the latest incident in a string of similar crimes across the region.

At approximately 2:34 a.m., thieves made several failed attempts to break into Seawood Photo in San Rafael before crashing a vehicle through its front window, the store said in a Facebook post.

The robbery resulted in the theft of an estimated $40,000 to $50,000 worth of equipment, as well as $10,000 in damage, the owners said.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Tc9GQ_106KbhVo00
Seawood Photo in San Rafael became the latest victim of a ram-raid robbery early Monday morning, marking another chapter in a string of similar crimes across the Bay Area. (Seawood Photo)

Founded in 1947, Seawood Photo has been a cornerstone of the Bay Area photography community. The store’s owners shared their sense of loss on a GoFundMe fundraising page created to help cover the expenses from the robbery.

“Almost daily, someone walks in, marveling that a place like Seawood still exists,” they wrote. “New photographers find their first cameras here and learn to use them. Lifelong photographers share stories of their first cameras and experiences. Professionals, hobbyists, artists, journalists, dreamers, families of generational photographers, and everyone in between pass through our doors.”

The store is also home to Flash, a beloved shop cat, who was “shaken but safe” following the incident.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3MhtBe_106KbhVo00
Seawood Photo in San Rafael became the latest victim of a ram-raid robbery early Monday morning, marking another chapter in a string of similar crimes across the Bay Area. (Seawood Photo)

The robbery follows a trend of similar crimes targeting photography stores in the region.

A week before , Shutterbug Camera Shops in Santa Rosa was struck, with thieves stealing an estimated $100,000 in camera equipment. In early March, thieves used a stolen Lexus to break into Action Camera in Rocklin, making off with up to $100,000 in merchandise.

San Jose Camera and Video, a family-owned business in the South Bay, suffered $35,000 in damage during a smash-and-grab robbery on March 5. In February, Looking Glass Photo in Berkeley lost about $50,000 in merchandise, with building damage exceeding $60,000.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=04lagO_106KbhVo00
Seawood Photo in San Rafael became the latest victim of a ram-raid robbery early Monday morning, marking another chapter in a string of similar crimes across the Bay Area. (Seawood Photo)

Seawood Photo’s owners added, “This comes at a terrible time with a slow start and uncertain year. And just last week, we learned our failed HVAC system will need a total replacement. We are not alone in this, as we are just the most recent victim of a string of these attacks. Our hearts go out to the other businesses that have had to contend with this as well.”

They asked for community support to help cover the cost of repairs and replace stolen inventory.

“You can help by stopping by, purchasing a roll of film or a gift card, or donating if you’re able,” the store urged in a Facebook post. “Seawood Photo has always been about community — now, we need ours more than ever.”

Reach Aidin Vaziri: avaziri@sfchronicle.com

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