Additional Coverage:
Jewelry Store Targeted in Mass Smash-and-Grab; Multiple Suspects Detained
SAN RAMON, CA – A San Ramon jewelry store was the scene of a chaotic smash-and-grab robbery on Monday afternoon, as approximately 20 masked individuals, some armed, stormed the establishment. Police have since detained several suspects following a pursuit across two counties.
According to the San Ramon Police Department, Hellers Jewelry was attacked by the large group, who used hammers, crowbars, and pickaxes to shatter display cases and steal jewelry. Surveillance footage released by authorities shows at least two individuals with handguns entering the store first, weapons drawn, followed by a torrent of others. While some suspects immediately began smashing cases, others appeared disoriented amidst the chaos.
The suspects fled the scene in multiple vehicles that had been waiting in the store’s valet area. Officers initiated a pursuit, but it was terminated due to the inherent danger to the public, with air support taking over the tracking of the vehicles. Law enforcement followed the suspects’ cars from Contra Costa County into Alameda County.
“Several suspects have been detained at two locations in Oakland and a second location in Dublin,” police confirmed in a statement.
In response to the escalating trend of such thefts, local business owners and community members have organized a rally for Thursday morning. The event aims to pressure officials for stronger measures to prevent these crimes.
Edward Escobar, representing the Coalition for Community Engagement, voiced the community’s frustration, stating, “This is not about just one store — it’s about the safety and survival of entire communities.” He added that the group would not “stand by while violence and lawlessness go unchecked.”
The incident also highlights ongoing discussions surrounding California’s Proposition 36, recently passed by voters to allow prosecutors to charge repeat theft suspects with felonies. However, the proposition notably lacks dedicated funding. State lawmakers had proposed allocating between $250 million and $400 million annually for its implementation, but Governor Gavin Newsom rejected this funding request in his May budget proposal.