Photography store burglarized for second time this week

For the second time this week and the fourth time since May, an East County photography store was burglarized. 

At 4:10 a.m. this morning, unknown burglars broke into Johnson PhotoImaging and stole several pieces of photography equipment. 

A similar incident occurred at the store, at 6709 State Road 70 E., Monday, Jan. 6. 

When the store was burglarized the first time, in May 2013, Johnson PhotoImaging installed video cameras so it wouldn’t happen again. 

The extra security did not prevent burglars from stealing $32,000 in merchandise from the store a few months later, in October. 

All of the incidents are unsolved, and it’s unclear if they are connected.

The method has been similar each time as well, with burglars smashing through a window to break into the store. 

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has said the store’s proximity to Interstate 75, and the nature of the expensive products it sells, makes it a target for burglars.

Dave Bristow, public information director for the sheriff's office, said the department's crime-prevention unit has reported to Johnson PhotoImaging twice — including once this week — to give the store suggestions on how to protect the business. 

Contact Josh Siegel at [email protected].