HOUSTON, TX (KTRK) — We are taking a close look at a spate of burglaries at city center pubs. Several business owners told Eyewitness News they believe the same thief was responsible. Still, they said there was nothing to stop him, despite alarm systems, surveillance video, 911 calls, and even arrests.
Two more business owners say they have been victims since ABC13 confirmed there were break-ins at three bars east of downtown on Tuesday. They all say they’re sleeping in bars now. This allows them to protect their property when they inevitably say that the burglar will return.
“He’s broken into us maybe six times,” Glitter Karaoke owner Todd Jones said.
Sean Fitzmaurice, owner of Reserve 101, said: “On December 5 at around 5.30am the four of us were broken into for the first time. The gentleman has been back every week since. “
“It’s just outrageous,” said Raul Jacobos, owner of Cobos East Midtown. “I’m angry.” Cobos was broken into twice in four days.
Three pub owners have shared their outrage after surveillance footage showed a man stealing their business on the spot. They believe the same person stole about $50,000 worth of rare bourbon and whiskey from Reserve 101, $11,000 worth of cash and booze from Cobos, and $20,000 worth of booze from Glitter Karaoke.
A bouncer familiar with the crimes said he helped jail a man named Reginald Jones on Jan. 12. 3 After trying to break into Glitter.
One bar owner, Calvin Albrow, said: “I was able to chase him to a bar called Now or Never, three blocks away and subdue him until law enforcement came. gone.”
Jones was booked on battery charges in the case, records show. Police did not say he was the same person responsible for the thefts, but authorities did confirm they were checking the status of the cases. Jones, meanwhile, has come off the hook, leading bar owners to believe he will strike again.
“The problem we have here is that this guy was caught and released,” Fitzmaurice said.
They said they felt the lack of urgency in the city left them and their businesses unprotected.
“From my own perspective, I’m insecure. If I feel threatened, I will do whatever it takes to protect myself,” Albro said.
They worry that the problem will lead to an escalation of crime or violence.
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