Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : Rare Coins, Bank Notes Stolen From Store

More than $20,000 worth of rare coins and antique bank notes were stolen from a liquor store by thieves who bypassed the store’s alarm by using a screwdriver and a tire iron to punch a hole in the roof, authorities said Friday.

The burglary occurred between 11 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Thursday at Discount Gourmet Liquor, 23644 Lyons Ave., according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Tracy Judson.

Authorities have no one in custody, Judson said.

Items taken included a $15,000 collection of silver U.S. coins, a $1,200 collection of 19th-Century silver dollars and $2,000 worth of antique bank notes. Also stolen was about $3,000 cash and $11,000 worth of other items such as a laptop computer and a collection of pocket watches, Judson said.

“It was my life savings and my kids’ collection of coins,” said Ronald Winkel, the store’s owner. He declined further comment about the burglary.

An 18-inch hole was cut in the roof of the store using a screwdriver and tire iron that were found on a desk under a cash register drawer, according to Judson’s report. The roof was about 16 to 18 feet above the floor, but a refrigerator that reached to within eight feet of the roof apparently served as a ladder for the burglar or burglars.

The store’s alarm was not triggered because it was connected to the doors and windows, Judson said.

Most of the items taken were at various locations in the office, but the rare coins, cash and a handgun were locked in a metal paper towel dispenser on a wall because Winkel was sure no one would think to look there, according to Judson’s report.