Introduction to the Rise in Jewelry Shop Burglaries
Authorities in Anaheim said they are seeing a rising trend in burglaries, mirroring a high frequency of similar crimes occurring in Los Angeles County.
In the past month, mobs or big groups were seen attempting to burglarize four jewelry stores, police said. Five thieves are now in custody after hitting the same jewelry store in Anaheim a week prior, according to officers.
The New Trend in Burglaries
“There’s been bank robberies, jewelry store robberies, but not this frequency. It seems to be the new trend,” Sgt. Matt Sutter with the Anaheim Police Department said. “They’ve gone or stepped up from high-end clothing, maybe bags, purses to now diamonds and gold.”
Don Roberto’s on La Palma Avenue in Anaheim has been burglarized twice in one week with the latest incident on Tuesday by four men wearing hoodies. Police said the men got away in an olive green Dodge Charger on the 91 Freeway.
Don Roberto’s on Brookhurst Street was almost burglarized on Monday by 15 to 20 would-be thieves until the owner managed to scare them off, firing a single warning gunshot. The group wore hoodies and face coverings and attempted to break the door with a sledge hammer before escaping.
Response and Recommendations from the Police
Police said they are not recommending firing off a warning shot as a way of protection but urged jewelry store owners to step up security.
“We call it hardening the target. Make it difficult for these suspects to get into your property and steal your merchandise,” Sgt. Sutter said. “They’re going to keep hitting these targets if it’s an easy target.”
According to authorities, they are working with other cities to determine if the burglaries are connected after other areas have reported the same suspect vehicles being used in crimes throughout LA County.
Similar Incidents in Other Areas
In Glendale, seven people were arrested July 1 in connection with a burglary at a family-owned jewelry store that happened in May. The thieves cut a hole in the business’ roof and stole millions of dollars worth of merchandise, police said.
Thieves wearing face coverings also broke into an El Monte jewelry store in June through the ceiling, stealing more than $1 million worth of products.
Conclusion
The rise in jewelry shop burglaries in Anaheim and surrounding areas is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention from both the authorities and the business owners. By stepping up security measures and working together, it is possible to prevent these crimes and protect valuable merchandise.
FAQs
Q: What is the current trend in burglaries in Anaheim?
A: There is a rising trend in jewelry store burglaries, with mobs or big groups attempting to burglarize stores in the past month.
Q: What is the recommended course of action for jewelry store owners?
A: Police urge jewelry store owners to step up security measures, making it difficult for suspects to get into their property and steal merchandise.
Q: Are the burglaries in Anaheim connected to other areas?
A: Authorities are working with other cities to determine if the burglaries are connected, as the same suspect vehicles have been reported in crimes throughout LA County.
Q: What can be done to prevent these burglaries?
A: By hardening the target and making it difficult for suspects to break in, jewelry store owners can help prevent these crimes and protect their merchandise.
