Burglars drop stolen safe, lead authorities on high-speed chase across 2 counties

Four masked suspects attempted to steal a safe from a Simi Valley business early Sunday morning, prompting a high-speed police chase that extended into Los Angeles before being called off.

The burglary took place around 1 a.m. Sunday morning at a business located on the 2200 block of Tapo Street, according to the Simi Valley Police Department.

Police said a "vigilant" witness reported seeing four people wearing dark clothes and masks inside the business and then attempting to load a safe into the back of a dark gray Nissan hatchback.

The theft, according to police, was abandoned once the suspects realized they were being watched by the reporting witness.

Police responded to the 911 call and located the suspects’ vehicle, and them pursued them into the Los Angeles area at high speeds. The pursuit was eventually called off due to the suspects' increasingly dangerous driving, police said.

Although the suspects managed to escape, the safe and all its contents were recovered.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the burglary and ensuing pursuit to contact the Simi Valley Police Department at 805-583-6950.

"The Simi Valley Police Department would like to extend its sincere thanks to the community for its continued vigilance," officials said in a news release. "Together, through our shared commitment, can we ensure that our city remains a safe and thriving place to live, work, and grow."