CrimeJul 27, 2023
Southern California Facing Series of Smash-and-Grabs CrimeAug 03, 2023
Thieves Nab Nearly $1M in Jewels in Calif. Smash-and-Grab
The robbery follows a string of smash-and-grab robberies reported in California this summer.
The Irvine Police Department is searching for three suspects involved in a smash-and-grab robbery at Jewels by Alan in Irvine, California.
Irvine, Calif.—Authorities are on the lookout for the three suspects involved in a smash-and-grab robbery at Jewels by Alan in Irvine, California.
On the afternoon of July 31, three suspects in black masks and clothing entered, according to a statement from the Irvine Police Department.
#IRVINEPDPIO - On Monday, July 31, at 12:20 p.m., three male black suspects dressed in black masks and clothing entered a jewelry store near Jamboree Rd. and Michelson Dr. They smashed display cases with hammers and stole almost $900,000 worth of jewelry. If you have any pic.twitter.com/nPoyuj3bkZ
— Irvine Police Department (@IrvinePolice) August 1, 2023
The men smashed display cases with hammers, getting away with nearly $900,000 worth of jewelry.
“The robbery was quite brazen, resulting in smashed showcases and [an] almost total loss of jewels,” said owner Alan Oskouian in a statement shared via Instagram.
“I am tremendously grateful that my staff and customers that were present at the time are all physically fine.”
Anyone with information about the robbery can contact Detective Truong at 949-724-7276 or TTruong@cityofirvine.org.
The robbery follows a string of smash-and-grab robberies reported in California, particularly in the southern part of the state.
Police are investigating at least six recent smash-and-grabs in Southern California including in 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.
There was also a robbery reported 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 the others.
Another string of smash-and-grab robberies is being investigated in New Jersey.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance released its 2022 Annual Crime Report in June, noting a record level of crimes committed against jewelers and reported to JSA.
A total of 169 smash-and-grab robberies were reported to JSA in 2022, nearly double the number recorded in 2021.
Anyone with information about any jewelry store robbery can also contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
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