A South Los Angeles family business, GO PLAZ-Check Cashing, is facing its third burglary in two years, leading the owner, Hugo Gomez, to express frustration and concern about the future of the small business.
Specializing in international wire transfers, the business has already been struggling due to a 40% drop in customers since January, largely attributed to the recent ICE raids and layoffs affecting their community.
The most recent break-in occurred around 3 a.m. when two burglars rammed a van into the store. Neighbors initially mistook the noise for a car crash, but it was, in fact, an attempt to break into the business.
The damage from the break-in is estimated to be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Gomez explained that after filing a claim with their insurance for previous burglaries, the company paid a small amount and then canceled or postponed their coverage, leaving the family vulnerable.
“We’re out here trying to help the community. A lot of people in the neighborhoods rely on us for cash or checks or send their money to their loved ones. They put us out of business. They don’t only affect us, it will affect the whole community around us,” Gomez said.
Despite upgrading their security systems, including alarms, and no longer keeping cash in the store after hours, the criminals continue to target the business. “You cover one hole, and they open another one,” said Gomez.
The Gomez family, who has owned the business for 17 years, is now fearing this could be the end of their father’s dream.
He had worked for 20 years in a nearby store, saving money to serve the immigrant community by providing check cashing and international money transfers. With no insurance coverage and mounting losses, the family has turned to a GoFundMe campaign, hoping to raise enough funds to keep the business open, as they fear their father’s determination may no longer be enough to keep it afloat.
