Burbank business owners on alert after thieves hit jewelry store

(FOX 11) - A Burbank business is ransacked and hit by thieves who made away with more than $60, 000 of merchandise.

"For this to happen it's just awful," said Marya Wanker the owner of LuxMary Handbags.

She opened her dream boutique store just three months ago but in just a matter of minutes Friday, thieves came and wiped the place out .

"I realized it was all empty and then on the floor there was a lot of jewelry thrown around," she explained.
A large collection, around 60-thousand dollars worth, of the high end handbags she sales are gone. The crooks leaving her with empty display cases and hooks

Ralph Persinger owns Burbank Antiques next door to LuxMary. "I'm devastated for them. You know they're hard workers, you do your best and boom."

He's concerned the area along Magnolia Boulevard is changing.

"This street used to be a sleepy street a few years ago and now, it's just who knows who is coming in the door.

And Laree Adel, Owner of Best of Times Antiques, saying recently she's seen what looks like men casing her store.

"I've been telling my family and friends something is going on weird around here."

After being hit by thieves three times in the 11 years she's been at this location, she's taking no chances.

"If they are successful, they'll go to other places so you have to be wise when your guarding your own business."
Marya Wanker has surveillance cameras but they go black right before the break-in. She believes thieves cut power to her store.