‘Smooth Crew’ Wanted in Series of Commercial Burglaries

A group of chatty crooks dubbed the “Smooth Crew” is wanted in connection to a yearlong series of commercial burglaries that were carried out all over the county, according to the San Diego Police Department. Detectives say the suspects use small talk to distract the clerks of markets and liquor stores while the business’s office is being searched for cash to steal.

The two men and two women have ripped off at least 10 businesses since the string of crimes began Jan. 28 at Texas Wine and Spirits in Carlsbad, according to San Diego police Lt. Andra Brown.

They are also suspected in the Feb. 11 burglary of Grove Liquor in Lemon Grove, a burglary at Bancroft Liquor in Spring Valley on Feb. 12, and two Sept. 24 liquor store burglaries in Coronado.

According to investigators, one or two of the suspects enters the store and gets the clerk engaged in conversation while another suspect slips into the office area to look for money. Authorities believe the group communicates using hand signals or what appears to be hands-free cellphone devices. Once the cash is in hand, the crew quickly leaves.

Other businesses reporting burglaries to which the crew has been connected include Party Time Liquor and Easy Corner Market in El Cajon, and Logan Liquor, Corey’s Liquor and El Cajon Blvd. Market, all in San Diego.

Investigators describe the suspects as:

• A black female from 25 to 40 years old, 5’6” to 5’10” tall, and weighing from 170 to 220 pounds with a heavy build.

• A black female from 25 to 40 years old, 5’2” to 5’6” tall, and weighing 150 to 170 pounds with a medium to heavy build.

• A black male with a noticeable receding hairline, 35 to 50 years old, 6’2” tall, with medium to muscular build.

• And a black male wearing a black baseball cap, 25 to 35 years old, 5’8” to 5’11” tall, weighing 170 pounds with a medium build.

Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating the four suspected burglars. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Diego Police Department 619-516-3000 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.