Introduction to the Burglary
Seven people were arrested in connection with a burglary in May at a family-owned Glendale jewelry store where a hole was cut into the business’ roof and millions of dollars worth of merchandise was stolen.
The Burglary Incident
The May 27 burglary at Bidrussian Jewelry Store, which has operated in Glendale for more than 40 years, was reported at about 1 a.m. in the 1100 block of South Glendale Avenue, police said. The burglars entered through the roof, then used blowtorches to tear open four safes and clean out the contents.
Investigation and Arrests
Working with other law enforcement agencies, Glendale police identified several people suspected in the burglary and launched a surveillance operation. The department received information that suggested the same group was planning a heist Sunday at Rodeo Jewelers in the San Gabriel Valley community of La Verne.
Details of the Arrest
"As the suspects attempted to gain entry through the roof, law enforcement officers coordinated to take the group into custody," Glendale police said in a statement. "The suspects also used signal jammers and cut wires to the location during the incident."
Suspects and Their Possible Involvement in Other Crimes
The suspects were identified as foreign nationals who might be involved in similar crimes in the United States and other countries, police said Tuesday in a news release announcing the arrests. Law enforcement is investigating whether there are any connections to several recent jewelry store burglaries around Southern California. Eric Leonard reports for NBC4 at 6 p.m. on May 29, 2025.
The Impact on the Jewelry Store
The jewelry business in Glendale was founded by Manail Bidrussian’s parents 45 years ago and passed down through generations of family members. He called the crime highly organized, calculated and professional. The thieves cut through the roof and used torch guns to melt through reinforced safes, taking millions of dollars worth of the store’s inventory, the family said.
Items Stolen and Left Behind
Ammunition was kept in one of the safes, Bidrussian said. He estimated the crime took hours, considering the time needed to cut through multiple safes. Bidrussian said his alarm did not go off during the break-in. The thieves left behind a small gold necklace that features a child kneeling in prayer.
Other Recent Burglaries
The crime followed another jewelry store heist Sunday at a business in Simi Valley, about 50 miles northwest of Glendale in Ventura County. A burglar was seen on security camera video crawling on the floor in Dr. Conkey’s Candy & Coffee before reaching the security camera and spraying it to block the view inside the candy store. After clearing out the safe, the burglar cut a hole in the wall to access 5 Star Jewelry. The owner estimated the loss at more than $2 million.
Conclusion
The arrest of seven individuals in connection with the burglary at Bidrussian Jewelry Store marks a significant step in combating organized crime targeting the jewelry industry. The incident highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the need for businesses to enhance their security measures.
FAQs
- How did the burglars enter the jewelry store?
- The burglars entered through the roof of the Bidrussian Jewelry Store.
- What tools did the burglars use to access the safes?
- They used blowtorches to tear open four safes.
- Were the suspects involved in other crimes?
- Yes, the suspects are believed to be foreign nationals who might be involved in similar crimes in the U.S. and other countries.
- How much was stolen from the 5 Star Jewelry in Simi Valley?
- The owner estimated the loss at more than $2 million.
