Huge mob storming California jewelry store in $1M raid
A group of crooks were caught on surveillance footage storming a California jewelry store and stealing $1 million in merchandise.KGO-TV
A mob of masked thieves armed with crowbars and pickaxes stormed a jewelry store in San Ramon, California, on Monday, escaping with an estimated $1 million in loot after blasting their way past a security door.
Surveillance footage shows up to 30 suspects dressed in black rushing the store in broad daylight, smashing display cases and sweeping up merchandise in a brazen smash-and-grab.
“When they went in, they basically took over the store, taking whatever jewelry was available,” Lt. Mike Pistello of the San Ramon Police Department told ABC 7.
The thieves initially found themselves trapped when the store’s upgraded security system automatically locked the doors behind them, a measure installed after a similar raid in 2023. But police say the crew shot their way out, fleeing in six vehicles that had been parked just steps from the entrance.
A police drone, purchased last year with an organized retail theft grant, captured footage of the suspects leaving in the getaway cars. Investigators believe the group, ranging in age from 17 to 31 and all from Oakland, is linked to a series of Bay Area smash-and-grabs.
Authorities have recovered two firearms, several stolen items dropped during the escape, and multiple stolen vehicles connected to the heist.
“This is not their first time doing something like this,” Pistello said. “It doesn’t happen often in San Ramon, and we’re following up on every lead possible.”
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