HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re taking a closer look at a series of city center bar burglaries. Several business owners told News Witness they believe the same thief is responsible. However, they said there was no way to stop him, despite their alarm systems, surveillance video, 911 calls and even an arrest.
Since ABC13 confirmed the burglaries at three bars on the city’s east side Tuesday, two more business owners said they were victimized. All of them said they were now sleeping in their quarters. This put them in a position to protect their property when inevitably they said the thief would return.
“He’s come into our place probably six times already,” said Tod Jones, owner of Glitter Karaoke.
Sean Fitzmaurice, owner of Reserve 101, said: “We ended up breaking into for the first time on December 4th at around 5.30am. This gentleman has been back every week since then.”
“It’s beyond outrageous,” said Raul Jacobos, owner of Cobo’s in downtown east. “I’m wild.” Cobos broke twice in four days.
Three business owners have shared their outrage and surveillance video of a man caught red-handed stealing from their businesses. They believe the same person stole about $50,000 in rare bourbon and whiskey from Reserve 101, $11,000 in cash and liquor from Cobos and $20,000 in liquor from Glitter Karaoke.
A known crime bouncer said he helped put a man named Reginald Jones behind bars on January 3 after an attempted break-in at Glitter.
“I was able to follow him to a bar called Now or Never three blocks down and subdue him until law enforcement came,” said Calvin Albrow, a bar owner.
Records show Jones was convicted of assault in that case. Police have not said he is the same person responsible for the thefts, but authorities confirmed they are checking the status of those cases. Meanwhile, Jones is tied up, leading the bar’s owners to believe he will strike again.
“The problem we have here is that this guy is caught and released,” Fitzmaurice said.
They said they feel the lack of urgency from the city leaves them and their businesses vulnerable.
“From my perspective, I don’t feel safe. If I feel threatened, I will protect myself by any means necessary,” Albrow said.
It’s a problem they fear will lead to an escalation of crime or violence.
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