In Just 80 Seconds, Masked Suspects Ransack California Jewellery Store In $1 Mn Heist | Video

Last Updated:September 26, 2025, 10:45 IST

A jewellery store in California was ransacked by over 20 people in a $1 million heist. Surveillance and drone footage aid the ongoing investigation.

The group was in the store for no more than 1 minute and 20 seconds, according to Danville San Ramon. (Image: X)

A group of over 20 people ransacked a jewellery store in broad daylight in California, making off with approximately $1 million in merchandise in just over a minute. The violent mob-style robbery was captured on camera.

The brazen heist took place on Monday at Heller Jewelers in San Ramon, located about 34 miles east of San Francisco. Surveillance footage shows the group—dressed in black and wearing masks—storming the store, smashing display cases with crowbars and pickaxes, and grabbing whatever jewelry they could carry.

“When they went in, they basically took over the store. Basically, taking whatever jewelry was available,” Lt. Mike Pistello from the San Ramon PD told ABC 7 News.

The video has gone viral on social media.

The store’s security door, upgraded after a similar $1 million robbery in 2023, automatically locked behind the thieves. But this time, they fired shots to escape.

“What ended up happening was, once the suspects went in, the door locked behind them,” Pistello explained.

The group was in the store for no more than 1 minute and 20 seconds, according to Danville San Ramon. While police identified at least 23 individuals from the footage, eyewitnesses estimated the number to be closer to 30. Investigators believe the robbery was meticulously planned, with the suspects arriving in six vehicles and parking just 100 feet from the store entrance in the valet area.

A high-speed chase followed one of the vehicles. “In a pursuit that was in excess of 100 miles per hour,” Police Chief Denton Carlson told local news outlet Danville San Ramon. The pursuit was called off after the suspects drove into oncoming traffic, posing a danger to the public.

Fortunately, a specialized drone, funded by a 2023 organized retail theft grant, captured clear footage of the vehicles and suspects. “It shows all the suspects’ vehicles, as well as all the suspects leaving and entering their cars to leave,” Pistello said.

An investigation into the theft was underway.

About the Author

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More

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