In Clermont, Florida, the owner of a local beauty supply store is facing ongoing challenges in safeguarding his business following a recent burglary—the sixth within a decade. Despite enhancing security measures after earlier incidents, the store was once again the target of thieves early Friday morning.
Sole Beauty Supply, operated by Rupert Lespeare, fell victim to yet another break-in even after the installation of advanced security cameras and alarms. This persistent threat has left Lespeare in a constant battle to protect his livelihood.
The Clermont Police Department reported that surveillance footage reveals the brazen act occurring at around 4 a.m. Two suspects were caught on camera smashing the store’s front door with a brick, swiftly entering, and making off with a haul of merchandise.
Lespeare disclosed that the culprits absconded with approximately $19,000 worth of beauty products and jewelry. He described how the suspects, after breaking in, leapt onto tables to snatch valuable items like human wigs and hair extensions.
As the community grapples with these recurrent crimes, authorities in Lake County are simultaneously urging residents to prepare early for hurricane season, emphasizing the importance of readiness in the face of potential natural disasters.
[COVERING LAKE COUNTY: Officials urge early hurricane prep as season nears]
Lespeare said the suspects also took an entire jewelry display tower from the store.
After multiple break-ins over the years, Lespeare said he upgraded security systems inside and outside the business and installed an alarm designed to activate once the glass is broken. However, he said he has been unable to add additional protections he believes could help prevent future crimes.
“I mean we tried to reach out to the landowner, landlord and just to tell them about putting up like a gate … on the building,” Lespeare said. “But it’s like, no, really, not really for it.”
Lespeare said he was told security gates could not be installed because the building’s walls were too hollow.
When asked what the landlord said following the latest break-in, Lespeare said, “Well, they haven’t reached out to us.”
Attempts to contact the landlord for comment were unsuccessful.
While Lespeare was being interviewed inside the store, Clermont Police Department posted an update saying investigators had identified one suspect and the vehicle involved in the break-in, despite the vehicle’s tag being covered in surveillance footage.
Police said 26-year-old Joshua Leaster was identified as one of the suspects after he was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in an unrelated incident.
Investigators said they are still working to identify the second suspect seen in the surveillance video.
