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
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in MontanaThe event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ RingAfter the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
Weekly QuizMar 21, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason DeruloThe rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for EmergenciesEmergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
MajorsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining SalesThe moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office WearThe “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.
WatchesMar 19, 2025
Breitling Acquires Another Watch Brand From the 1800sBreitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.
AuctionsMar 19, 2025
10-Carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Expected to Sell for $20MDubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.
MajorsMar 19, 2025
AGS Adds New Program, Relaunches CSAThe American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.
CollectionsMar 18, 2025
Beck Debuts New Collection as Trove’s Latest Designer-in-ResidenceRebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.
ColumnistsMar 18, 2025
Peter Smith: The Importance of Culture in HiringSmith explores why a qualified candidate might still not be right for the job.
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2025
Fink’s Jewelers Is Now a Regional Emmy WinnerThe company and its marketing agency, Loudr, were recognized for the “Make You Dance” marketing campaign.
WatchesMar 18, 2025
Citizen Announces New Modern Luxury Watch CategoryThe “Series8” and “Attesa” collections will be grouped under Citizen Premier.
MajorsMar 18, 2025
Borsheims Names New Assistant IT ManagerDavid Fager, a former systems engineer at the retailer, was promoted to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
Gem Awards Honor All Facets of the IndustryFrom retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
GIA Names Winner of Emerging Jewelry Design Talent AwardEleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
MajorsMar 17, 2025
Tous Names U.S. Managing Director, VPJoseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
CBG Expands Las Vegas Show to 3 DaysThe trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.
IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 YearsThe Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter AwardReeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac PendantThe piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
