In a wild incident on Friday, a jewelry store in Anaheim Hills, California, was hit by a group of thieves in a dramatic smash-and-grab robbery. Eight masked suspects drove an SUV through the front door of Classic Jewelers, shattering glass cases and snatching valuable jewelry.
Store owner Ramzy Tabello was working that day and described the chaos. They came in with hammers and crowbars. He told Eyewitness News, “I said, ‘I have a gun, get out. I have a gun.’ They saw my gun on the counter and took it.”
The robbers escaped with the stolen jewelry and Tabello’s gun. But their getaway didn’t last long. After a chase, the police spotted the thieves a few miles away in Fullerton. One of their cars crashed into multiple vehicles at a busy intersection, leading to injuries for several innocent drivers.
Four suspects were caught after trying to flee the scene. According to police, the jewelry was found scattered in the wreckage. A second getaway car also crashed nearby, leading to a swift police response, and three more suspects were arrested.
Anaheim police suspect this crew isn’t new to the robbery scene. “This is not their first time doing it,” said Sgt. Eric Anderson. “They had a plan that didn’t work out thanks to great police work.”
Tabello shared his relief that no customers were inside during the robbery. He reflected on the ordeal, saying, “It was the scariest moment of my life. I thought I was going to get shot or hit by a hammer.”
The aftermath was serious. Officers reported that around six people were injured in the crashes, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate. This case highlights a troubling rise in organized thefts, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of security measures.
In light of these events, experts suggest that jewelry stores and other businesses may need to reconsider their security strategies. According to recent data from the National Association of Shoplifting Prevention, theft incidents have risen over 15% in the past year, making it crucial for retailers to stay vigilant.
As cities like Anaheim see more incidents like this, communities are left questioning how to help prevent such violent acts in the future, emphasizing the blend of law enforcement readiness and enhanced security measures.
For further context on theft trends, check this report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
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