Shopkeepers are under siege in many parts of the country but perhaps nowhere more than coastal California. Longstanding retailers are fleeing in droves as gangs of criminals target their stores for massive thefts of merchandise.

But some stayed, and some armed themselves.

One such hero is 73-year-old Albert Marcu. Intent on not becoming a victim of roving criminals, he is now armed as he supervises sales at Estates Consignments in Pleasant Hill. Being prepared last week saved Marcu and his staff from what were apparently a group of smash-and-grab robbers.

The first sign of trouble came when a woman walked through the store checking out the location of security cameras. Surveillance footage showed her talking on her phone, presumably with her cohorts.

As she exited the store, she stalled long enough to keep the door open and prevent the security guard from stopping her friends from entering. They were then able to get inside, with one of them brandishing a sledgehammer.

A piercing scream announced their presence as they found the jewelry section. But the plan for a quick haul of valuables quickly disintegrated.

Marcu knew where they would target and waited for them near the jewelry. As they approached, he pulled his .38 revolver and indicated that he intended to protect the store employees and the merchandise. The gang immediately broke ranks and fled.

A pair of cars waited for them outside, and almost immediately they were confronted by a Pleasant Hill police officer. One of the vehicles, an Infiniti Q50, was reported stolen and was detected by a license plate scanner.

The alleged robbers were still able to escape, and the search for the gang continues.

Afterwards, Marcu told reporters he would not hesitate to fire his weapon if confronted in the store. “If they threaten my life or the life of my employees, I’ll use the gun, hundred percent.”

The consignment shop established an effective blueprint for dealing with groups of criminals, and it involves being aware and being prepared. Exercising Second Amendment rights is the single best way to protect lives and property from those who commit violent acts, and along with strong law enforcement and a judicial system willing to lock up lawbreakers, it is the cure to what ails the California retail industry.