Anthony Yates
A large group of thieves robbed a San Ramon jewelry store in broad daylight this week. Authorities have arrested several suspects, but many remain at large.
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What happened: According to a report by ABC 7, the thieves targeted Heller Jewelers at City Center Bishop Ranch on Monday. The group reportedly escaped with an estimated $1 million haul.
- The thieves stormed the building during the day, and police claim at least three were armed with guns. Others rushed into the building with crowbars and pickaxes, effortlessly smashing through display cabinets.
- The outlet shows cellphone video from outside the store, which appears to show the front door locking the group inside. San Ramon Police Department Lt. Mike Pistello told ABC 7 the jewelers installed the door system in response to a previous robbery in 2023. The door now requires a security guard to buzz customers in and out.
- Pistello explained, “What ended up happening was, once the suspects went in, the door locked behind them.” The cellphone footage also shows suspects shooting through the glass.
Police Believe The Jewelry Heist Was Planned Days In Advance
Organized crime: ABC 7 explains that the thieves promptly left the store after clearing it out. They ran to a parking lot, where six getaway cars were waiting.
- A report by NBC reveals surveillance footage from inside the shop. “When they went in, they basically took over the store,” Pistello explained.
- Per ABC 7, officers gave chase until the pursuit endangered the public. Authorities have reportedly arrested seven suspects in connection with the robbery. Pistello explained it was not the suspect’s first time doing something like this. Authorities attribute the 17 to 31-year-old suspects to other crimes in the area.
- Pistello admitted the heist was “well orchestrated.” Investigators believe the robbery was planned days in advance. NBC also shares extended footage of the door closing. The suspects fired at least three shots into the glass before breaking through the panel and escaping onto the high street.
- Officers reportedly arrested three men and a 17-year-old on International Boulevard in Oakland. They also arrested three others at the Dublin Bart Station. Police say they are still looking for at least 17 other suspects, and an investigation is underway.
