Over 20 robbers storm California jewellery store in broad daylight, steal S$1.3 million worth of items

A mob of nearly 25 masked thieves, armed with crowbars, pickaxes and guns, ransacked a California jewellery story in broad daylight on Sep. 22, reported the New York Post.

The robbery occurred at Heller Jewelers and was caught by surveillance footage released by the police.

They made off with around US$1 million (S$1.3 million) worth of merchandise in around a minute.

Smash-and-grab

At least two masked men with handguns entered the jewellery store, weapons drawn, before the rest of the group rushed in.

They immediately started smashing the display cases, ripping the tops open and grabbing whatever they could.

Others stood nearby waiting with bags in hand.

“When they went in, they basically took over the store. Basically, taking whatever jewellery was available,” Lt. Mike Pistello from the police department said, as quoted by ABC7 News.

@mothershipsg Admin doesn't even have 20 friends. Over 20 robbers were seen breaking into a jewellery store in California, in the early afternoon of Sep. 22. Surveillance footage showed two people with handguns entering Heller Jewelers, before the rest followed closely behind. Local police stated that the robbery was well-orchestrated and likely planned days in advance, the LA Times reported. Close to US$1 million (S$1.29 million) worth of jewellery was stolen during the robbery, according to the BBC. Seven suspects, between the ages of 17 and 31, have been arrested in connection with the robbery. No injuries were reported. #fyp #crime #news ♬ original sound - Mothership

At some point, the front door to the store locked.

This measure was implemented by the store in 2023 following a previous robbery and required a security guard to press a button to let people out.

This did not deter the robbers, as at least one of them fired multiple rounds to break out, after which everyone made their escape.

The crew cleared out of the store in about 80 seconds.

Police put the number of suspects at 23, but witnesses have estimated as many as 30.

Police also said that the raid was carefully coordinated. The suspects parked six vehicles in the valet area just 100 feet from the entrance before storming in.

According to ABC7 News, a specialised drone, which had been acquired from a 2023 organised retail theft grant, captured aerial video of the suspects getting into their vehicles and fleeing.

Officers attempted to pursue the vehicles, but eventually called it off “due to the inherent danger to the public and because air support was available,” reported NBC News.

Suspects arrested

In the days that followed, police arrested seven of the alleged culprits, including one juvenile.

The suspects range in age from 17 to 31 and are suspected of carrying out similar robberies across the San Francisco Bay Area.

Two firearms were seized along with some of the stolen jewellery, including pieces dropped during the chaotic escape. Several getaway cars used by the robbers were also reported to have been stolen.

Authorities are actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects.

Pistello acknowledged the investigation could span months, but expressed confidence it would ultimately crack multiple cases linked to the group.

Top images via Google Maps, NBCNews/Facebook