In the wake of a devastating break-in at his family-owned warehouse, Los Angeles businessman Ryan Baggaley is calling on Democratic leaders to address the rising crime rates more seriously.
Baggaley, who has previously supported Democratic candidates, expressed his frustration with the current state of affairs in an interview with FOX Los Angeles.
"I voted for Karen Bass. I voted for Biden. I voted for Gavin Newsom. Im sick of it," Baggaley stated emphatically. "Its like, at some point you have to give me a reason to vote for you again."
Baggaley, along with his three brothers, operates the family construction business, Delta Construction & Electric Co., a company their father established half a century ago. Despite the presence of steel gates and roll-down doors, their warehouse in Los Angeles' Glassell Park neighborhood was targeted by thieves who used a stolen car to breach their security before dawn on Wednesday.
"The rage that me and my brothers have," Baggaley shared with Fox News Digital. "You work so hard just to survive and make a living, and oh, cool, you just bashed our whole building up."
Security footage revealed that the thieves initially rammed the wrong gate, before one of the hooded accomplices redirected the driver to the correct entry point. The criminals made off with thousands of dollars' worth of tools and personal valuables, including musical instruments and studio equipment, even as a recording from the security system warned them that they were being recorded. Baggaley estimated the total loss to be in excess of $100,000.
Baggaley received an alert from the company's Ring system around 5 a.m. Despite his wife calling 911 six times within a half-hour period, police arrived two hours later, citing staffing shortages and a lack of officers in the area.
Baggaley criticized the "defund the police" movement, stating that while he supports holding corrupt officers accountable, the majority of police officers provide a crucial service to society.
"I do want some action and want to say something and do something and vote for people who want to put policies in place to make it a more civilized country where you can do your job and show up to work and make a living and not be constantly frustrated," he said.
Baggaley, who identifies as a fiscal conservative with liberal leanings on social issues, expressed his disappointment with elected officials who, in his view, are too hesitant to challenge activists with extreme views.
"If you gave me an alternative, I certainly would vote for them, if they made some sense," he said.
Baggaley, a proud Californian and descendant of pioneers who built the West, expressed his exasperation with lenient crime policies. He noted that multiple businesses in the same area had been targeted by burglars in recent weeks.
"At some point, you look at it, and you go, 'Why aren't there cops on the street at this time?'" he questioned.
The "crash and grab" or "ram-raiding" trend has been gaining momentum nationwide. A highly publicized break-in at a Missouri gun store resulted in losses of about $30,000 in merchandise and over $200,000 in repairs. Smaller brick-and-mortar stores, including boutiques specializing in rare vintage and collectible clothing, have been forced to close their doors.
The vehicle used in the break-in at Baggaley's warehouse was reportedly stolen from the LAPDs impound yard.
"I dont want to leave," Baggaley declared. "I'm not leaving. I'm standing my ground. I want it to be better."
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