Seven Arrested after "Takeover-Style" Robbery at Jewelry Store
October 06, 25
(IDEX Online) - Seven suspects have been arrested after a mob of 20 people ransacked a jewelry store in California, USA, in what police describe as a "takeover-style" robbery.
Officers at the San Ramon Police Department say several of the masked raiders had handguns, and at least one of the weapons was fired through the locked glass entrance door during the heist on Monday 22 September at Heller Jewelers, located at City Center Bishop Ranch.
The raiders entered the store at lunchtime, smashed display cases with crowbars and pickaxes, and escaped with goods valued at $1m in six waiting cars. Police initially gave chase at speeds of up to 100mph but decided it was too dangerous to continue.
Seven suspects, aged 17 to 31, were arrested several days later at two locations, some after officers tracked a vehicle with helicopters and drones. The seven people arrested face charges of second-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime.
"When they went in, they basically took over the store" said Lt. Mike Pistello of the San Ramon Police Department. "Basically taking whatever jewelry was available."
The same store was targeted in March 2023 in another smash-and-grab raid, in which a a Rolex watch fitted with a GPS tracker was stolen. The store subsequently upgraded its security.
Videograb shows raiders entering the store.