A camera store in San Rafael became the latest target in a string of Bay Area robberies. The thieves rammed a car into its storefront early Monday morning. They stole an estimated $50,000 in gear, leaving another $10,000 in damage.
The incident took place at Seawood Photo on April 1, 2025. As it appears, it follows a troubling trend: this is the fifth such burglary of an independent camera shop in just over a month. In this case, the robbers needed more than one attempt to break in. They reportedly rammed the front of the store multiple times before finally crashing through. Once inside, they grabbed valuable camera equipment and left behind the damage estimated at around $10,000.
PetaPixel reports of several other camera store break-ins over the past month. They include Shutterbug Camera Shops in Santa Rosa, which reported a $100,000 loss. There are also Action Camera in Rocklin on March 13, San Jose Camera and Video in Campbell on March 5, and Looking Glass Photo in Berkeley on February 16.
The coordinated nature of the robberies has led many to believe that an organized group, or more of them, stand behind the crimes. Seawood Photo even referred to its own break-in as “inevitable.”
Starting a GoFundMe Campaign
To help with recovery, Seawood Photo has launched a GoFundMe campaign. “Unfortunately, what felt like the inevitable has happened,” they write in the description. “If you are a member of our cherished Bay Area photography community, or have been following the stories of the multiple Bay Area camera stores that have been recently burglarized you know what we mean.”
“While cleaning broken glass and cameras, neighbors, concerned citizens, and nearby high school students stopped by, asking what happened. They expressed love for our store and concern for Flash, the shop cat (she’s shaken but fine; she was found hiding and consoled with treats). Many are asking how they can help. That’s why we’re here.”
[via PetaPixel; image credits: Seawood photo via GoFundMe]
