'It's shocking': This California shoe store owner uses 1 simple trick to make break-in robberies 'pointless'

“If they would have looked through the window, they would have saved themselves some time and energy from even trying to break in,” shopkeep Roman Gonzales told the local broadcaster.

He planned to reopen his store, DripOnDrip, the following day, and it's all thanks to a straightforward step he's added to the closing routine.

One step ahead of would-be thieves

Smash-and-grab thefts are nothing new to Gonzales. He says a majority of his store’s clothing was stolen during a break-in at its previous location in 2023.

“Seeing the building that you’re working out of almost every day, really hard, just be damaged. It’s shocking,” he said.

Now, as part of the shop’s closing routine, all merchandise is removed from the sales floor and the cash register, which sits next to a window, is left wide open so potential crooks can see it's empty. The only thing left out is a display of right-foot shoes, which Gonzales says is of no value to thieves.

“I mean, you can’t just buy a left-foot shoe online,” he said. “So, you’re not going to be able to use that item or even re-sell it. It’s just pointless.”

Gonzales admits the thieves got away with a few backpacks and some shoes he intended to donate to children in need, but is otherwise thankful his plan worked. He also told KSEE24 the shopping center where the apparel shop is located is considering additional security options.