Introduction to the Heist

Millions of dollars in gold and jewels were stolen from a downtown Los Angeles jeweler’s two enormous safes after burglars tunneled into the Broadway shop through multiple reinforced walls, police said.

The Break-In

In a security video of the weekend break-in, a massive drill can be heard carving through the main castle-like wall, making a hole big enough for a person to slip through to enter Love Jewels, Reina de Oro at Broadway and 5th Street.

The Investigation Begins

Los Angeles Police say the thieves on Sunday night cut through a room next to the gold merchant in the 500 block of Broadway. LAPD Cmdr. Lillian Carranza said the owners informed the department that the thieves took about $5 million worth of merchandise. In an interview with KTTV, the owner said the loss was upwards of $20 million.

The Target

The store with heavy security is known for being the source of bling for rappers, artists and some gangsters. On social media, the store boasts images of personal necklace tributes, gold Rolex watch straps, diamond-encrusted miniature AK-47s, M-4 trinkets and enormous racks of gold chains.

Forensic Analysis

Investigators say the burglars, after entering, cut the security camera feed so there are no images of them inside the business. But LAPD forensic experts are examining the scene for fingerprints and DNA.

Timeline of the Heist

An examination of recordings by LAPD investigators determined the heist began about 9:30 p.m. Sunday. The jewelers discovered the theft Monday morning when they arrived at their shop. Investigators believe the likely high-level professional burglars spent several hours inside the business.

Conclusion

The brazen heist in downtown Los Angeles has left the police and the owners of Love Jewels, Reina de Oro reeling. The fact that the burglars were able to tunnel through multiple reinforced walls and escape with millions of dollars in gold and jewels is a testament to their skill and planning. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen merchandise.

FAQs

• Q: What was the estimated value of the stolen merchandise?
  A: The owners informed the police that the thieves took about $5 million worth of merchandise, but the owner estimated the loss to be upwards of $20 million.
• Q: How did the burglars gain access to the store?
  A: The burglars tunneled into the store through multiple reinforced walls.
• Q: Were there any security cameras inside the store?
  A: Yes, but the burglars cut the security camera feed after entering the store.
• Q: What is the police doing to investigate the heist?
  A: The LAPD forensic experts are examining the scene for fingerprints and DNA, and are reviewing recordings to determine the timeline of the heist.