Robbers steal gems worth ₹1.5 cr from US store, owner opens fire
In a daring heist, five masked robbers stormed a jewelry store in California, making off with gems worth $170,000 (approximately ₹1.5 crore). The incident occurred on Thursday at Olivia’s Fine Jewelry in Madera, California, leaving the store owner shaken but unharmed. The brazen robbery was caught on security footage, which showed the thieves smashing display cases and grabbing valuable gems before the store owner opened fire, chasing them into the street.
According to eyewitnesses, the robbers, all wearing masks, entered the store around mid-morning, catching the owner and employees off guard. They quickly got to work, smashing display cases and grabbing handfuls of jewelry, including diamonds, gold, and other precious gems. The thieves moved with a sense of urgency, but also with a clear plan, suggesting that they had cased the store beforehand.
The store owner, who has not been named, sprang into action as soon as the robbers started smashing the display cases. Grabbing a firearm, the owner opened fire, shooting at the robbers as they made their escape. The gunfire sent the thieves fleeing, but not before they had grabbed a significant haul of valuable gems.
Security footage showed the robbers fleeing the store, with the owner hot on their heels, firing his gun as they ran. The thieves jumped into a waiting sedan, which sped away from the scene, leaving the owner and employees shaken but unharmed.
Police were quickly called to the scene, and an investigation is ongoing. Authorities described the heist as “meticulous” and likely executed by experienced criminals. The suspects remain at large, and police are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses in an effort to track them down.
The robbery has left the community in shock, with many expressing concern about the brazen nature of the crime. “It’s just unbelievable that something like this could happen in broad daylight,” said one local resident. “I hope the police catch the people responsible and bring them to justice.”
The store owner, who has not spoken publicly about the incident, is being hailed as a hero for his bravery in confronting the robbers. “He’s a very brave man,” said one employee. “He put himself in harm’s way to protect his business and his employees. We’re all just grateful that no one was hurt.”
The incident highlights the ongoing problem of jewelry store robberies in the United States. According to the Jewellers Board of Trade, there were over 1,000 reported jewelry store robberies in the US in 2020, resulting in losses of over $100 million.
As the investigation into the robbery continues, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The suspects are described as five masked individuals, last seen fleeing the scene in a sedan. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Madera Police Department.
In conclusion, the robbery at Olivia’s Fine Jewelry in Madera, California, is a shocking reminder of the risks faced by business owners and employees every day. The bravery of the store owner in confronting the robbers is an inspiration, and we can only hope that the suspects are caught and brought to justice soon.
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