A mob of masked thieves stormed a San Ramon jewelry store in under two minutes, making off with an estimated $1 million worth of merchandise before fleeing in stolen vehicles.
According to the New York Post, more than 20 people were seen on surveillance footage breaking into Heller Jewelers on Monday using crowbars and pickaxes to smash display cases. Police believe as many as 30 suspects could have been involved, marking one of the largest organized retail thefts in the Bay Area this year.
As the group tried to escape, an automatic security door attempted to trap them inside. Police said the suspects fired shots to break out, highlighting the dangerous escalation in smash-and-grab robberies across California.
Police describe coordinated raid tactics
San Ramon police said the suspects arrived in six vehicles and parked just 100 feet from the store’s front entrance. The heist lasted just 80 seconds, giving staff and shoppers little time to react before the mob fled.
Police Chief Denton Carlson described the raid as “carefully planned,” noting that officers pursued one getaway car at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour before calling off the chase due to public danger.
Lt. Mike Pistello told local media that this level of coordination showed the group had likely committed similar crimes before. He emphasized the value of surveillance and new anti-theft technology, including drones, in gathering critical evidence.
High-tech drone captured key evidence
Authorities deployed a specialized drone, funded by a retail theft prevention grant, during the robbery. The drone recorded video of vehicles arriving and suspects running between cars, providing investigators a clearer view of how the operation unfolded.
“The drone shows all the suspects’ vehicles, as well as all the suspects leaving and entering their cars,” Pistello said. Police believe the group likely scouted the store days in advance.
Recovered footage is now helping link individuals to the raid, as police comb through hours of video placing suspects at the scene. Multiple vehicles used in the robbery were later confirmed stolen.
Suspects arrested in Oakland and Dublin
Police raids in Oakland and Dublin led to the arrest of seven people, including a 17-year-old juvenile. The suspects, ranging in age from 17 to 31, are all Oakland residents.
Authorities said they believe the group is tied to other Bay Area smash-and-grab crimes targeting high-end retail stores. Two firearms and some of the stolen jewelry were recovered, with additional pieces thought to have been discarded during the chaotic escape.
“This is not their first time doing something like this,” Pistello said. He added that San Ramon has seen very few similar crimes, but police are now actively coordinating with other Bay Area departments.
Store previously targeted in 2023 heist
The same jewelry store was robbed in March 2023 in a similar smash-and-grab. During that earlier incident, seven thieves stole $1.1 million worth of luxury watches and jewelry.
Police were able to recover merchandise in that case through a hidden tracking device planted in a Rolex watch, which ultimately led to federal convictions for several suspects. Four men were later sentenced to prison.
It remains unclear whether investigators believe the same criminal network is responsible for both robberies. Police have not confirmed links but said they are following all available leads.
