Pit Stop shoe repair shop robbed

Police are investigating a report of a burglary at the Pit Stop Shoe and Luggage Repair.

The burglary occurred Monday at about 3 p.m. while the store, on the 900 block of S. Coast Highway, was closed, said Sgt. Bob Rahaeuser.

The shop’s owner, Luchis “Lou” Royster, reported $15,000 in tools and goods were taken.

Royster opened his business in February of 2005 and was fulfilling his dream as a first-time shop owner.

“We weren’t making a lot of money, but we were paying the bills,” Royster said.

The loss of tools has put a significant handicap on his business, Royster said.

“I need to replace some of these things, I don’t know how I’m going to do it,” he said.

The burglar broke the lock on the front door and walked in, Royster said.

A nearby shop owner said she witnessed a man walking in and out of the store twice during the time the burglary was reported to have taken place, but did not think it was suspicious.

“I thought he was delivering something,” said the woman, who wished to remain anonymous.

The suspect was described as white, about six feet tall with a heavy build, had short frizzy hair and drove an American model four-door sedan with out-of-state plates.

Items reported missing include about 80 purses, a laptop computer, $200 in cash, an engraving machine, items belonging to customers and special tools for shoe repair, Royster said. “We were stupid not to get insurance,” Royster said. “We thought, who ever breaks into a shoe shop?”

Royster estimates he will need $1,000 to replace essential tools to get his business running.

“I’m most concerned about replacing the customers’ stuff that was taken,” Royster said.

Suitcases, purses and leather boots belonging to customers were stolen during the burglary, Royster said.

Sympathetic customers are coming to Royster’s aid.

Loren Levitt, who recently had a purse strap fixed by Royster, said she is a big fan of his for charging $40 for work another shop wanted more than $100 for.

“He’s the nicest guy. If they new how nice he was they wouldn’t have robbed him,” Levitt said.

Customer Sandie Ward has set up a special fund for those wanting to help Royster get his business back on his feet.

“He does beautiful workmanship and takes the time to listen to you and know who you are,” Ward said.

Ward’s fund can be donated to through the Lou Royster Fund at Bank of America. Checks may be sent to Sandie Ward, 28981 Top of the World Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Information: (949) 494-5571.cpt.19-shoe-rob-CPhotoInfoBN1R333B20060519izh5iincDAN BEIGHLEY / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Luchis Royster stands in front of his shoe repair shop that was robbed Monday.