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Burglars Smash SUV Into Jewelry Store February 14, 2022 (0 comments)
Escondido, CA—New year, old MO. At 1:30 a.m. on January 20, the two burglars pictured crashed a white Volkswagen SUV into a jewelry store. The vehicle was believed to have been stolen two days earlier in Oceanside, CA. After smashing into the Jewelry & Repair Center store, the suspects then used an axe to break into showcases, taking jewelry and fleeing.
The Jewelers Security Alliance offers the following recommendations to jewelers:
- Some jewelry stores have installed stanchions, barriers or large planters outside the front of their stores to prevent this type of vehicle ramming burglary.
- Don’t leave product in showcases overnight which can act as a magnet for burglars. If you can’t fit all merchandise in a safe or vault, and your out-of-safe insurance coverage permits, put it out of sight in a locked drawer or closet.
The Jewelry & Repair Center owners’ daughter, who wished to remain anonymous, gave a phone interview to Fox 5 TV in San Diego. She said her parents had recently moved to the current location after 20 years nearby with no problems.
“I just couldn’t believe it. I saw the video and I was like, ‘oh my gosh.’ They made a mess, they made a complete mess. So I thought I was mentally prepared for it. When I get there, it was just so heartbreaking. Just when you thought things were starting to turn around they get hit with this and it’s just really tough, it’s really tough so I really hope that the public is able to help and we’re able to catch the people who did this,” she told the TV station.
Suspect in the Escondido, CA crash, smash, and grab robbery involving a stolen white Volkswagen SUV.
Anyone with information is asked to contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org. Alternatively, contact Detective Mike Martinez of the Escondido Police at (760) 839-4739, or contact the department’s anonymous tip line at (760) 743-8477 or online at police.escondido.org. To watch the Fox 5 report with video of the SUV racing to smash in and the suspects running in, click here.