CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesCrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store Burglary
Police officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.
Authorities arrested the above seven suspects in connection with the burglary of a jewelry store in Glendale, California.
Glendale, Calif.—Police officers in Glendale, California, arrested and charged seven suspects in connection with the burglary of a jewelry store and the attempted burglary of another.
On May 27, over the Memorial Day weekend, officers responded to a burglary at Bidrussian Jewelry, where a hole had been cut through the roof of the business, according to a press release from the Glendale Police Department.
An unknown amount of jewelry had been stolen from the premises, said police, though local reports estimated the value of the stolen goods at more than $1 million.
A GoFundMe was started by a family member of the store’s owner, Manail Bidrussian, to help the business recover. As of press time, $13,450 has been raised, with a goal of $60,000.
The family-owned business has served the Glendale community for more than 45 years, according to the GoFundMe
The burglary was “calculated and professional,” it said, noting the thieves allegedly used torch guns to melt through the safes.
“In a matter of hours, they had stolen the entire inventory—45 years of hard work, memories, and the foundation of a family’s livelihood—gone, just like that.”
Manail Bidrussian took over his parents’ business years ago as his father’s health declined, according to the GoFundMe.
“This is more than a financial loss. It’s a devastating blow to a man who kept a promise, who upheld his father’s dream, and who poured his soul into continuing something that meant everything to his family.”
Following the incident, the police department’s burglary detectives launched an investigation, coordinating with local agencies and initiating surveillance on the suspected group of burglars.
On the evening of June 29, investigators received information that the suspects were planning to target Rodeo Jewelers in La Verne, California.
Police said the suspects were trying to get into the store via the roof when law enforcement officials arrived to take them into custody.
Related stories will be right here …
On May 27, over the Memorial Day weekend, officers responded to a burglary at Bidrussian Jewelry, where a hole had been cut through the roof of the business, according to a press release from the Glendale Police Department.
An unknown amount of jewelry had been stolen from the premises, said police, though local reports estimated the value of the stolen goods at more than $1 million.
A GoFundMe was started by a family member of the store’s owner, Manail Bidrussian, to help the business recover. As of press time, $13,450 has been raised, with a goal of $60,000.
The family-owned business has served the Glendale community for more than 45 years, according to the GoFundMe
The burglary was “calculated and professional,” it said, noting the thieves allegedly used torch guns to melt through the safes.
“In a matter of hours, they had stolen the entire inventory—45 years of hard work, memories, and the foundation of a family’s livelihood—gone, just like that.”
Manail Bidrussian took over his parents’ business years ago as his father’s health declined, according to the GoFundMe.
“This is more than a financial loss. It’s a devastating blow to a man who kept a promise, who upheld his father’s dream, and who poured his soul into continuing something that meant everything to his family.”
Following the incident, the police department’s burglary detectives launched an investigation, coordinating with local agencies and initiating surveillance on the suspected group of burglars.
On the evening of June 29, investigators received information that the suspects were planning to target Rodeo Jewelers in La Verne, California.
Police said the suspects were trying to get into the store via the roof when law enforcement officials arrived to take them into custody.
The group used signal jammers and cut wires at the location, according to police.
The infrastructure damage disabled 911 and internet service to more than a million homes and hospitals, according to a local news report.
Of the eight suspects on the scene, police officers arrested seven of them, including Jose Millafil, Javier Sepulveda, Cristian Gonzalezaburto, Luka Pazitiani, Vera Matias, Victor Iturriagalopez, and Edson Gonzalez.
The men are believed to have committed similar crimes both in the U.S. and their respective countries of origin. They are in the custody of the Glendale Police as of July 1.
The suspects have been charged with multiple felonies, according to the local report, including grand theft, second-degree commercial burglary, and vandalism of a fiber optic cable. The men pleaded not guilty to all charges, with bail set at $2 million each.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 28.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Glendale Police Department’s Burglary Unit at 818-548-3127.
More on Crime
The Latest
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
