Seawood Photo Break-in

[Pieter12]

For those in the Bay area, I just received this:

On Monday, March 31st, at 2:34 AM, Seawood Photo was hit by a devastating robbery. After multiple attempts, thieves crashed a car through our front window, stealing an estimated $40,000–$50,000 in equipment and causing $10,000 in damages.

Seawood has been a cornerstone of the Bay Area photography community since 1947—a place where new photographers find their first cameras, professionals connect, and generations share their love for the craft. We’re more than a store; we’re a home for artists, storytellers, and dreamers. And of course, we’re home to Flash, our beloved shop cat (she’s shaken but safe).

This loss comes at an already difficult time. We’re asking for your support to help cover repairs, recover stolen inventory, and keep Seawood going strong. You can help by stopping by, purchasing a roll of film or a gift card, or donating if you’re able.

Seawood Photo has always been about community—now, we need ours more than ever. Thank you for standing with us.

— The Seawood Photo Team

 

[Pieter12]

 

[Sirius Glass]

What happened to Seawood Photo should never happen to any business or anyone.

 

[mshchem]

Go**amn thieves. At least no one got hurt. I've purchased from these folks. So terrible.

 

[ags2mikon]

I have bought from them in the past and they are nice folks. When I see crap like this I want to lose my civil attitude and go ham on the perps. Looking at the wanton destruction of goods is worse than the theft itself.

 

[Rick A]

Not the first in the area to get hit.

Large Format Photography Forum

A discussion forum on large format phtography http://largeformatphotography.info

www.largeformatphotography.info

 

[IOWA CAMERA GUY]

What I cannot figure out is why the wanton destruction?

We had a break-in at my store (University Camera, Iowa City, Iowa, now closed), many years ago.

They came in, took some stuff rom our back stock and a couple of items from the front counters (we never kept huge amounts of stock on hand) and I did not notice until the afternoon things were missing.

Almost seemed to be an inside job, but never had any idea who it may have been.

We’re right on I-80, so it was probably in Chicago by the next morning, 250 miles.

I am sorry to hear of your loss and very disturbed at the destruction, and I hope they are caught and punished severely.

 

[blee1996]

Very sad to hear this, I have bought from them oline or in person at the camera shows. They are nice people, and typically have the largest tables during local camera meets. They almost always have interesting stuff.

Almost all the major camera shops in the SF Bay Area have been hit during the last decade. Some of them just close shop afterwards, e.g. Keeble & Shuchat in Palo Alto, which is a huge loss to the local photography community. Glass Key and Leica SF (Camera West) got hit and survived.

I might donate a couple of cameras to Seawood to help them in a small way.

 

[sruddy]

That's a real shame and sad to see the destruction and loss. However IMO asking for donations is a bit weird, insurance should cover the loss. Plus they are known for getting used gear for free or cheap and marking up higher than current market, so shouldn't they have funds to cover anything insurance wouldn't?

 

[BrianShaw]

That's a real shame and sad to see the destruction and loss. However IMO asking for donations is a bit weird, insurance should cover the loss. Plus they are known for getting used gear for free or cheap and marking up higher than current market, so shouldn't they have funds to cover anything insurance wouldn't?

This has become increasingly common in the “GoFundMe” era/mentality. Once upon a time investors were offered incentives but now too many businesses just ask for handouts even when the bad fortune is self-inflicted. At least in this situation the first two options were more reasonable requests.

I admire folks who are so kind as to help a friend when times get rough.

 

[charlotteRF]

That's a real shame and sad to see the destruction and loss. However IMO asking for donations is a bit weird, insurance should cover the loss. Plus they are known for getting used gear for free or cheap and marking up higher than current market, so shouldn't they have funds to cover anything insurance wouldn't?

It's possible they may have been refused insurance or charged too high of premiums due to the area and value of stock carried.