Crime

Southern California Facing Series of Smash-and-Grabs

CrimeJul 27, 2023

Southern California Facing Series of Smash-and-Grabs

Police are investigating six robberies in SoCal, and a seventh in Northern California that may be connected.

Police tape
Police are investigating six smash-and-grab robberies in Southern California, as well as a seventh that took place at a retail store in Yuba City. Though this store is located in the northern part of the state, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said the crimes may be connected.
Yuba City, Calif.— A smash-and-grab robbery took place July 23 at a jewelry store in Yuba City, California. 

Though this store was located in Northern California, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said it may be connected to a series of more than six other smash-and-grab robberies in southern California in June and July.

Police are looking for two suspects involved in the Yuba City store robbery. One suspect used a crowbar to smash two showcases while the second held open a backpack for the jewelry.

The pair then fled the scene.

There were no reported injuries to employees or customers.   

Both subjects are described as Black males in their late-20s to early-30s. 

The first is described as approximately 6-feet to 6-feet-2-inches with a heavy build, wearing a black ski mask along with a gray hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and white shoes. The second subject is approximately 5-foot-10-inches to 6-feet tall with a thin build. He was wearing a black sweatshirt or jacket, gloves, black pants, black shoes and a black backpack.

The robbery follows six other recent smash-and-grabs in Southern California including Claremont on June 29, La Verne on July 1, Huntington Beach on July 3, Downey on July 12, Temecula on July 14, and Cabazon on July 18.

Anyone with more information should contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct a city name. 

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