News Summary
Margarita Torres, owner of Terry’s Wigs in San Gabriel, is facing the threat of closure after experiencing nine burglaries since 2020. Despite her efforts to enhance security, thieves continue to target her business, impacting clients in need of wigs for hair loss due to health issues. Law enforcement’s response is hindered by California laws classifying thefts under $950 as misdemeanors. As Torres fights to protect her shop, support from the community and local officials has become increasingly vital to combat rising crime against small businesses.
San Gabriel – The owner of Terry’s Wigs, Margarita Torres, is facing an imminent threat of closure due to a series of nine burglaries that have plagued her business since 2020. The San Gabriel wig shop specializes in providing hairpieces for clients suffering from hair loss issues, including those undergoing chemotherapy amidst their battles with cancer.
Torres has expressed her steadfast desire to offer comfort and support to her clients during challenging times. However, despite her efforts to enhance security measures – including the installation of surveillance cameras – her store has continued to be targeted by thieves. The most recent incident saw a woman stealing a wig valued at hundreds of dollars.
Under California law, thefts involving amounts under $950 are classified as misdemeanors. This legal categorization limits the response options for law enforcement, reducing the consequences faced by repeat offenders. A particularly alarming burglary in December 2024 saw suspects use crowbars to smash the store’s windows, leading to a loss of merchandise worth several thousand dollars.
As a result of these persistent thefts, Torres has voiced feelings of helplessness, stating that she feels increasingly unprotected while operating her business. She has noted that the anonymity of the criminals complicates law enforcement efforts to resolve these incidents effectively.
In response to the rising crime rate, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has signaled his commitment to addressing retail crime in the community. A sign designating Terry’s Wigs as a “protected business” has been posted, aiming to elevate prosecutorial focus on such cases.
In addition to the psychological toll of the repeated burglaries, Torres has also faced escalating insurance rates, combined with the financial burden of necessary security upgrades to protect her store. She is determined to continue serving her customers, many of whom depend on her wig services during their health struggles.
Torres believes that an increased police presence in the area would serve as a deterrent to such crimes, and she has implored local officials for more substantial community support against the troubling trend of rising crime impacting small businesses.
The string of thefts at Terry’s Wigs has fostered a concerning narrative in which owners are left to navigate the complexities of safety, financial viability, and community support. Torres has filed police reports for each incident, and the San Gabriel Police Department is actively investigating these ongoing crimes, aiming to restore security to the affected business district.
Despite the challenges posed by crime, Torres remains hopeful for a brighter future and a return to a safer environment for her business and clients. However, as financial strain and safety concerns mount, the possibility of closing her beloved store looms ever larger on the horizon.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: San Gabriel Wig Shop Repeat Burglaries
- Wikipedia: Theft
- ABC7: San Gabriel Wig Shop Owner Pleads for More Policing
- Google Search: San Gabriel wig shop crimes
- CBS News: Wig Shop Owner Considers Closing Due to Burglaries
- Google Scholar: Retail Crime
- KSAT: Man in Wig Steals Multiple Louis Vuitton Bags
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail Theft
- Pasadena Now: Robbery at Pasadena Store
- Google News: San Gabriel wig shop
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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
