From the New York Post: Wild video shows a huge mob of masked, black-clad thieves storming a California jewelry store and making off with around $1 million in merchandise.
The mob of up to 30 crooks was caught on surveillance footage as they suddenly ran up to the store in broad daylight on Monday in San Ramon, around 34 miles east of San Francisco — just the latest raid blamed on the same gang.
They used crowbars and pickaxes to smash the display cases and snatch jewelry — then shot their way out when a security door automatically tried to lock them inside.
“When they went in, they basically took over the store. Basically, taking whatever jewelry was available,” Lt. Mike Pistello from the San Ramon PD told ABC 7 News.
The targeted store was Heller Jewelers at Bishop Ranch.
The mob arrived in six separate vehicles, which waited just 100 feet from the store’s entrance. Drone footage shows the vehicles waiting with the doors open, then the mob ran out, jumped into their cars, and they all sped away.
Police believe the entire heist was likely planned days in advance. CBS News reported:
“The sergeant overheard on Alameda County scanner that some jewelry thief suspects might be coming to town,” Gunning said. “Our drone pilot heard that also and immediately took off.”
The drone captured clear images of the suspects running into waiting cars in the valet area of the parking lot. Police say that video could prove key in tracking down everyone involved.
So far, San Ramon police say they’ve arrested three adults and one minor in Oakland, along with three more adults also in Oakland. Investigators are now looking into whether the same group could be tied to other smash-and-grabs across the Bay Area.
Police are still investigating the case in an effort to identify and capture more suspects.
WATCH BELOW:
READ MORE from the New York Post.
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
