Alleged teen burglars hit multiple businesses on Indy's northwest side

Thousands stolen from stores in string of early morning break-ins

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:11am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered cash register drawer, the harsh flash creating a stark, gritty image that conveys the sudden, investigative nature of the crime.The aftermath of a brazen early morning break-in exposes the financial toll on local businesses targeted by organized retail crime.Indianapolis Today

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a series of break-ins at five businesses in Pike Plaza along Lafayette Road, including the clothing store Moda Y Mas. Surveillance footage shows the burglars ransacking drawers and smashing cash registers, making off with an estimated $21,000 in total. The police report lists four 17-year-old male suspects, who may also be connected to a burglary at a nearby pet store and coffee shop.

Why it matters

Small businesses in Indianapolis have faced significant challenges during the pandemic, and this string of break-ins and thefts represents a major setback for owners who have invested heavily to keep their shops running and attract customers. The targeting of multiple stores in the same plaza also raises concerns about the prevalence of organized retail crime in the area.

The details

According to the police report, the burglars broke into five businesses in Pike Plaza, including the clothing store Moda Y Mas. Surveillance footage from Moda Y Mas shows the suspects ransacking drawers and smashing the cash register, making off with an estimated $10,000. The other four stores were also hit, with a total of $11,000 stolen. The suspects are described as four 17-year-old males, who may be connected to a burglary at Uncle Bill's Pet Center a few days earlier and a break-in at MOTW Coffee and Pastries hours later, all within about a mile of the Pike Plaza incidents.

  • The break-ins occurred in the early morning hours of April 19, 2026.
  • A burglary at Uncle Bill's Pet Center happened a few days prior to the Pike Plaza incidents.
  • A break-in at MOTW Coffee and Pastries occurred hours after the Pike Plaza incidents.

The players

Mario Gutierrez

The owner of Moda Y Mas, one of the businesses targeted in the break-ins.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the string of burglaries.

Pike Plaza

The shopping plaza along Lafayette Road where the five businesses were targeted.

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What they’re saying

“We spent like $3,000 for registers, and they broke (it).”

— Mario Gutierrez, Owner, Moda Y Mas

“The business, it not really good right now. We just invest a lot of money, we get a loan to renew the store to try and bring more customers and this happen now, so it's sad.”

— Mario Gutierrez, Owner, Moda Y Mas

“We work a lot, we try to keep this business working, and for those kind of people came here just to get the money or do these things … it's hard for us.”

— Mario Gutierrez, Owner, Moda Y Mas

What’s next

Police are investigating whether the same four 17-year-old suspects were involved in the break-ins at the nearby pet store and coffee shop, in addition to the Pike Plaza incidents.

The takeaway

This string of burglaries highlights the ongoing challenges facing small businesses in Indianapolis, which have had to contend with the economic impacts of the pandemic as well as the threat of organized retail crime. The significant financial losses suffered by the targeted stores underscore the need for increased security measures and community support to protect local entrepreneurs.