A Houston production studio has fallen victim to a burglary, with the owner suspecting that the same trio of thieves who have targeted multiple studios in recent months is responsible. The owner of Harvuni J Studios, Jimi Harvuni, reported that the thieves made off with a substantial amount of equipment valued in the thousands, forcing him to halt production on his dating show airing on Tubi.
Harvuni detailed the theft, revealing that the culprits stole 12 cameras, 18 lenses, and a drone. He believes these are the same men who have been implicated in at least seven other burglaries of film and production studios since late August. The crime is particularly disruptive, as Harvuni is in the midst of producing episodes of “Vibez Dating,” a show where participants are matched for dates funded and filmed by the studio.
“It’s a show we shoot here where we match you up, send you on a date, and we pay for it and film it,” Harvuni explained. Despite having completed five episodes for the streaming service, the loss of equipment has significantly impeded his ability to continue production.
The robbery occurred swiftly, with the thieves reportedly in and out of the studio in about a minute, demonstrating familiarity with the layout as they targeted specific equipment. Harvuni noted that at least one of the suspects had previously visited the studio, indicating a level of premeditation, as there are no visible signs indicating the location’s purpose as a production studio.
Harvuni expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s devastating. You try to provide an honest living, try to provide something where people can come live out their dreams, their passions, putting their shows on, and something like this happens. It’s hard to put in perspective.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the thefts to contact the Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, or Crime Stoppers.
