CrimeJun 06, 2024
2 Men Found Guilty in 2022 Murder of Detroit-Area JewelerCrimeJul 16, 2024
Thieves Nab $500K in Jewelry in Calif. Group Smash-and-Grab
The Berkeley robbery follows two other Bay Area robberies involving multiple suspects, one in May and one in June.
A group of robbers stole around $500,000 jewelry in a smash-and-grab in Berkeley, California, earlier this month.
Berkeley, Calif.—A group of robbers stole jewelry worth at least half a million dollars in a smash-and-grab in Berkeley, California, on July 6.
One suspect is seen on surveillance video approaching Bombay Jewelry Company near University and San Pablo avenues shortly after 2 p.m., according to local news.
Store workers initially refused to let the person in until he removed clothing concealing his identity, said JSA.
Once he made himself visible, employees buzzed him into the store.
When the outer door was opened, the subject held it ajar while six other individuals wearing masks, hoods and gloves and armed with guns and sledgehammers ran inside, JSA said.
They broke windows in the security area, kicking their way into the store, where they smashed display cases. Local news said they held the owner and several employees at gunpoint.
After spending a little more than a minute inside the store, the suspects fled with at least $500,000 in jewelry, said local news.
They left in a black Honda Civic and a gray Dodge Charger.
Related stories will be right here …
One suspect is seen on surveillance video approaching Bombay Jewelry Company near University and San Pablo avenues shortly after 2 p.m., according to local news.
Store workers initially refused to let the person in until he removed clothing concealing his identity, said JSA.
Once he made himself visible, employees buzzed him into the store.
When the outer door was opened, the subject held it ajar while six other individuals wearing masks, hoods and gloves and armed with guns and sledgehammers ran inside, JSA said.
They broke windows in the security area, kicking their way into the store, where they smashed display cases. Local news said they held the owner and several employees at gunpoint.
After spending a little more than a minute inside the store, the suspects fled with at least $500,000 in jewelry, said local news.
They left in a black Honda Civic and a gray Dodge Charger.
The smash-and-grab comes about a month after another group smash-and-grab robbery in Sunnyvale, California, roughly an hour south of Berkeley.
Approximately 20 suspects robbed PNG Jewelers, located at 791 E. El Camino Real, around 1:27 p.m. on June 12, according to Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS).
They used hammers and tools to break the jewelry display cases.
The suspects fled the scene in multiple vehicles before Sunnyvale DPS officers arrived.
Officers located and pursued two of the evading vehicles, which were heading down Highway 101 toward the peninsula. They eventually lost sight of both, but the second vehicle was located later by allied agency officers.
Five of the suspects attempted to flee on foot. Four were taken into custody in the nearby city of San Carlos, and the fifth was located close by, the Sunnyvale DPS said.
The suspects were identified by police as: Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, and Afuhia Lavakeiaho.
They were booked into the Santa Clara County jail for various offenses, including armed robbery, felony vehicle evasion, resisting arrest, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism, possession of burglary tools, and outstanding warrants.
Some of the jewelry was recovered, said Sunnyvale DPS, but the total value for the jewelry that was taken is unknown.
No one was injured during the robbery.
Sunnyvale police said investigators are working to determine if the smash-and-grab is related to another jewelry store robbery in Sunnyvale that occurred in May and also involved multiple suspects.
More on Crime
The Latest
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
