Stolen Car Smash-And-Grab Thefts Hit Seattle, Phoenix Stores

Two notable smash-and-grab incidents involving vehicles occurred recently at retail stores in the United States. In Seattle, suspects broke into Vapester Smoke Shop in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood, stealing about $35,000 worth of mostly vape accessories, though police have not confirmed any arrests yet. In Phoenix, a hooded thief rammed a stolen car through the glass doors and heavy security gate of Restock Ave, a shoe and streetwear store, before looting designer clothes; the store owner expressed shock and noted the crime hit just as the business was preparing for the back-to-school season. Police confirmed the vehicle used in the Phoenix crime was stolen, and the suspect is still at large. Separately, in West Virginia, a vehicle crashed through roughly 100 feet of storefronts at Pinecrest Plaza, apparently due to a medical emergency, causing significant property damage but no serious injuries. Cleanup and investigations are ongoing in all cases as businesses recover from these brazen attacks.