Surveillance Footage Shows California Smash-And-Grabbers Using Hammers To Steal $100K In Jewelry
Shocking video shows smash-and-grabbers using hammers to take over a California jewelry store — allegedly getting away with about $100,000 of jewelry after intimidating customers and the staff.
The footage reveals a group of nine unexpectedly invading La Placita Tropicana shopping center in San Jose with the hammers already in their hands.
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“We were expecting something to happen,” said Credit Jewelers owner Jesus Orozco, who estimated his corporation lost as much as $100,000.
He shared with local reporters how the men appeared to be the same ones who were halted last week when a security guard saw them and locked the doors before they were able to invade the inside.
“All the jewelers were on edge here,” Orozco told the paper.
San Jose Police Police spoke recently on the rise on smash and grabs in California, “A takeover robbery is very different from a standard smash-and-grab,” Officer Steve Aponte told NBC Bay Area.
“These individuals actually forced their way into the store. And by saying takeover robbery, they demanded everybody to get on the ground. They forced people who were present, including staff members, to do their will,” he said.
“And in doing so, they were able to take over, break the glass, take away the stuff that they wanted to take.”