Independent Heights business owner says he doesn’t have confidence HPD will find store burglars

In Independence Heights, despite the presence of security cameras, two audacious thieves managed to brazenly enter a business without hesitation. Alex Berrospe, the proprietor of Drape Stage Productions, an events company established in the area for 12 years, revealed to that the locality has unfortunately evolved into a crime hotspot, despite the proximity of a Houston Police Department substation.

On March 24, the surveillance footage captured the two suspects entering the premises in broad daylight, their faces clearly visible to the camera. Minutes later, they were observed exiting the establishment with a safe in tow, along with checks and a credit card, as per the owner. The video also depicted one of the perpetrators conducting a visual survey, likely to ascertain the absence of bystanders.

“They arrived in separate vehicles,” Berrospe recounted. “Witnessing something you’ve toiled so hard for being taken away by someone who shows no regard is truly disheartening.”

Berrospe further highlighted that neighboring businesses have also been grappling with criminal activities, such as recent incidents involving car break-ins and theft of catalytic converters.

Now, Berrospe pins his hopes on HPD to apprehend the culprits. However, the police department has been under scrutiny since Chief Troy Finner disclosed that 261,000 incident reports had been suspended since 2016 due to inadequate staffing, leaving victims uncertain about the fate of their cases.

According to data obtained by 13 Investigates through open records requests, over 57,000 burglary and robbery reports have been suspended due to staffing shortages since 2017. In 2023, more than 12,000 reports were suspended, with nearly 800 suspended in 2024 before Finner announced the discontinuation of the practice.

“This is why these criminals act with impunity,” Berrospe lamented. “They’re aware that the odds of being apprehended are slim due to the shortage of law enforcement personnel. It’s disheartening that our city lacks sufficient officers to safeguard its citizens.”

HPD, and a spokesperson confirmed that officers had access to the surveillance footage. The property and financial crimes unit would initiate an investigation, although the assignment of an investigator to the case could not be confirmed.

Individuals with information pertinent to the case are urged to reach out to the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers by dialing 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitting an online tip, or using the Crime Stoppers mobile app.