Robbery Suspects Use Blowtorch To Steal California Lottery Tickets

Early in the morning last Friday, two suspects broke into a store in Oakland, Calfornia, using a blowtorch to soften a window. They apparently were targeting the store’s cache of California Lottery scratch-off tickets.

But they likely won’t get away with it.

The incident, which occurred around 2 a.m. according to local media outlet KTVU, was captured on the store’s security cameras, giving local authorities valuable clues to track down the culprits. The owner of the market, speaking to KTVU, also revealed she recognized the perpetrators as regular customers, a detail that is likely to hasten their capture.

The break-in involved the suspects using a blowtorch to weaken the glass of the store window. Once it was sufficiently softened, they knocked it out, gaining entry to the premises.

The pair then quickly made off with lottery tickets, which have become a frequent target for thieves in recent months across the U.S. The damage to the store, including the broken window and other vandalized areas, is estimated to be around $4,000, adding to the financial blow suffered by the small business.

While the thieves successfully grabbed a trove of scratch-off tickets, the likelihood of profiting from their heist is slim. Lottery tickets are tightly controlled and can easily be traced back to the place of sale. Each ticket has a unique serial number, which can be flagged as stolen once reported.

The California Lottery, like other state lotteries, has protocols in place to alert retailers and authorities about stolen tickets, making it nearly impossible for the suspects to redeem any winnings. In many cases, stolen tickets become useless as soon as they are reported.

A growing trend of lottery thefts in the U.S.

This incident in Oakland is not isolated. Across the U.S., lottery ticket theft has been on the rise, with criminals increasingly targeting gas stations, convenience stores, and small markets for these high-value, easily transportable items. However, most of these thefts end in failure due to the traceability of the stolen tickets and the surveillance systems that often capture the acts on video.

For instance, in August 2023, a similar lottery ticket heist occurred in Fort Worth, Texas. Three suspects broke into a gas station by smashing through the front door and stealing scratch-off tickets along with tobacco products.

Like the Oakland incident, the thieves were captured on security cameras, and authorities were quickly able to identify them. Within days, two of the suspects were apprehended after attempting to cash in stolen tickets at another local retailer. The third suspect remains at large but is expected to be caught soon due to the surveillance footage and the coordination between local law enforcement and lottery officials.

In another notable case from earlier this summer, two burglars in Miami were caught after stealing lottery tickets from multiple convenience stores. The suspects had embarked on a spree of thefts, targeting several small businesses over the course of a month. Authorities were able to track their movements and eventually arrested them when they attempted to redeem stolen tickets.

Up to life in prison

In California, the punishment for stealing lottery tickets, like any other theft, depends on the value of the stolen goods and the circumstances of the crime. If the tickets are worth $950 or more, the crime could be classified as grand theft under California Penal Code 487 PC.

This can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specifics of the case and the defendants’ criminal records. For a misdemeanor, grand theft can result in up to one year in county jail, probation, fines, and restitution to the victim.

If charged as a felony, the potential penalties include 16 months, two years, or three years in state prison, and fines up to $10,000. It could also include restitution to cover both the value of the stolen tickets and any additional damages.

Certain factors can lead to harsher sentences. For example, since the suspects in the Oakland case broke into the store to commit the theft, they could also face burglary charges under California Penal Code 459 PC. If convicted of second-degree burglary, which applies to commercial properties, the suspects could be sentenced to up to three years in county jail.

Additionally, the use of a blowtorch or other tools to break into the store could be viewed as an aggravating factor, potentially resulting in enhanced penalties. This suggests premeditation and the use of sophisticated methods to carry out the crime.

If the suspects have prior criminal convictions or commit multiple felonies — such as burglary and grand theft — they could face additional time under California’s Three Strikes Law. A second felony conviction could result in a sentence that is double the usual term, and a third felony conviction could result in a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.