police tape

CANOGA PARK, LOS ANGELES, CA-Thieves Target Canoga Park Jewelry Loan Store in Burglary Attempt.

by BurglaryCrimesDaily Blog

CANOGA PARK, LOS ANGELES, CA- The Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Division officers responded to a burglary early Saturday morning at Sherway Jewelry Loan in the 21500 block of Sherman Way in Canoga Park. Upon arrival, officers found the store’s front window had been shattered. After clearing the location, officers determined that the suspects had fled the scene and were gone upon their arrival.

At this time, it is unclear if any items were taken from the store. If you have any information regarding this incident or information on these suspects, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

Article provided by NewsBreak.com

smash and grab

Colorado Springs, CO- Suspects used sledgehammer, pickaxe to break into jewelry store.

by BurglaryCrime SuspectsDaily Blog

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) reported that two suspects broke into a jewelry store using a sledgehammer and a pickaxe around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 23.

According to CSPD, when officers arrived at the 700 block of Citadel Drive East, they discovered that two suspects, both wearing dark clothing and masks over their faces, had broken into the store with a sledgehammer and pickaxe, stolen a substantial amount of jewelry, and caused significant damage.

The value of the merchandise taken is currently unknown. CSPD believes that the suspects ran from the mall to a nearby vehicle that was waiting for them.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on these suspects, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

Article provided by Fox 21 News.

Caleb5

Atlanta, GA- Tennessee jewelry stores targeted in $1.7 million heist spree: trio sentenced.

by ArrestsBurglaryCrime SuspectsCrimesDaily Blog

Atlanta, GA– Three men who orchestrated a multi-state jewelry store burglary spree, stealing approximately $1.7 million in merchandise, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

Maykel Olides Hernandez, 40, Javier Guerra-Morales, 33, and Giorge Navea, 35, pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges, including RICO violations, smash-and-grab burglary, theft by taking, criminal damage to property, and possession of burglary tools.

Superior Court Judge Tony Baker handed down the sentences on Feb. 27 and March 5, with Hernandez receiving 30 years (13 in prison), Navea 25 years (10 in prison), and Guerra-Morales 20 years (9 in prison). Hernandez, deemed a recidivist offender, is ineligible for parole.

The charges stemmed from a series of high-stakes burglaries occurring between December 2022 and March 2023, targeting five jewelry stores in Cherokee, Forsyth, Cobb, and Fulton counties in Georgia, as well as Knox County, Tennessee.

The men executed a coordinated scheme, cutting holes in store roofs to bypass security, disabling alarms, and stealing high-value merchandise before transporting it to Florida for resale.

The most significant theft occurred on Jan. 4, 2023, when the men infiltrated a jewelry store on Cumming Highway in Cherokee County, making off with approximately $1.3 million in stolen goods.

Surveillance footage later confirmed that the burglars entered through a rooftop breach.

A second major heist took place in Alpharetta in March 2023, netting them an additional $400,000 in stolen jewelry.

Investigators from the Canton Police Department, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb County Police Department, and Alpharetta Police Department worked together to link the crimes.

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office played a crucial role by using cell tower data to track the suspects’ movements and establish connections between the burglaries.

“Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies worked together to investigate and arrest the suspects. Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office was instrumental in linking the burglaries and identifying the suspects by using cell tower data,” said Assistant District Attorney Rachel Murphy, of the Gang and Organized Crime Unit.

In addition to their prison sentences, Hernandez, Guerra-Morales, and Navea were ordered to pay $1.3 million in restitution, covering damages, stolen goods, and insurance losses.

They are also permanently banned from Cherokee County and prohibited from contacting one another or visiting any of the five targeted stores.

“These defendants worked together in a coordinated effort, with a clear plan to target specific jewelry stores and steal valuable merchandise. Although four of the stores they burglarized were outside of Cherokee County, we were able to charge the defendants under Georgia’s RICO Act,” said District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway. “Law enforcement partners from multiple agencies played a crucial role in this case, enabling Cherokee County to combat organized retail crime within our jurisdiction and beyond.”

Article provided by 11 Alive.com. To view article, click HERE.

47th street arrest

New York, NY- 2 arrested amid FBI search in Diamond District in connection to burglaries targeting pro athletes.

by ArrestsBurglaryCrime SuspectsDaily BlogFence

MIDTOWN, Manhattan – The FBI searched locations in Manhattan’s Diamond District in connection with the recent rash of burglaries targeting professional athletes and two arrests were made.

A search warrant was executed at 75 West 47th Street on Tuesday around 11:30 a.m.

Dimitriy Nezhinskiy, 43, and Juan Villar, 48, are charged with conspiracy to receive stolen property as part of an alleged fencing operation tied to the South American theft groups behind the string of burglaries targeting professional athletes, including Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

The two men are accused of buying luxury items linked to burglaries across the country and then selling them from a pawn shop in the Diamond District. The suspects allegedly bought stolen property from Bryan Leandro Herrera Maldonado, who’s accused of committing 16 residential robberies across the U.S. between 2019 and 2020.

Nezhinskiy was arrested Tuesday in New Jersey and Villar in Manhattan. The two are due to appear in court in Downtown Brooklyn on Wednesday.

“As alleged, the defendants created an illicit market and fueled demand for burglaries by South American Theft Groups and other crews around the country by purchasing stolen watches, jewelry and other luxury items, and then re-selling them in their New York City store,” said United States Attorney John Durham.

For almost five years, authorities say Nezhinskiy and Villar served as unlawful brokers to sell stolen luxury items by purchasing them from burglary crews based out of South America. The stolen property, including jewelry, watches, handbags and assorted luxury items, had been swiped from homes outside of New York and transported into the state, prosecutors said.

According to the indictment, phone records and video surveillance links Nezhinskiy to at least two members of a four-man burglary crew believed to be involved in the December 9, 2024 burglary of Burrow.

An undercover detective conducted seven controlled sales of purported stolen property, between October 2022 and January 2024, including high-end handbags and luxury accessories, to Nezhinskiy or Villar, or both, at their business location in Manhattan’s Diamond District.

During these controlled sales, the undercover detective provided the defendants with items that the undercover told the defendants had been stolen, and received cash in exchange for the stolen goods, the indictment said.

During Tuesday’s search on West 47th Street, authorities seized large quantities of suspected stolen property, including dozens of high-end watches and jewelry. Law enforcement also recovered large quantities of cash and marijuana.

Simultaneously, law enforcement executed a search warrant at storage units belonging to Nezhinskiy in New Jersey where an additional cache of suspected stolen property was found. From inside Nezhinskiy’s storage units, law enforcement recovered large quantities of luxury goods and clothing, including high-end handbags, wine, sports memorabilia, jewelry, artwork and power tools consistent with those commonly used in burglaries and opening safes.

Article provided by ABC News, click here to view article and video.

Wash2

PULALLUP, WA- BURGLARY AT THE SOUTH HILL MALL.

by BurglaryCrime SuspectsCrimesDaily Blog

Puyallup, WA– at the South Hill Mall, a burglary was reported. Just prior to the mall opening, 2 suspects broke into the mall and went straight to this kiosk. The first suspect entered the kiosk and using a small hatchet begin striking the tops of the showcases and the wooden doors. While struggling to gain entry, the suspect #2, climbed on top of the showcases and began jumping on them to aid in the shattering of the showcase top. Once entry was gained the first suspect continues to two others. Various weapons were used to enter three showcases. Numerous items were removed and placed into a cardboard box which had been located on site. These items were then removed from the site as the two suspects fled the location without being detected.

Suspect(s) Description:

Suspect 1: described as white, tall with a thin to medium build. The suspect wore black and white running shoes, medium-colored blue jeans was fade or distressed patterns on the front. They were black winter jacket over top of a black shirt. The suspect wore a black mask or face covering and a Black Hat. The suspect wore black gloves.

Suspect 2: described as female with a thin build approximately 5 foot 6 inches tall in her late 20s to early 30s. She wore white running shoes, light pink track pants. She wore a black winter jacket with a hood over top of a white T-shirt. The suspect appeared to have long hair dyed white or grey. She wore a black mask during most of the robbery but not all of it. She also wore black gloves

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on these suspects, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

west Hartford

West Hartford, CT- Police investigate jewel burglary in West Hartford

by BurglaryCrime NewsDaily Blog

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Police are investigating an early Sunday morning burglary at a jewelry store in West Hartford.

Officers were dispatched at 3:25 a.m. to Lux Bond and Green at 46 LaSalle Rd. They arrived to find the front and interior door had been smashed open.

Police confirmed that at least one suspect had entered the business. A display case was damaged and multiple jewelry items were stolen before the suspect left the building.

The suspect was seen leaving the scene of the burglary in a white Hyundai.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on these suspects, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

Article provided by WTNH Hartford.

Lombard

DuPage County, Illinois- Two Jewelry Store Burglary Suspects ARRESTED from Ohio Released Pre-Trial by DuPage County Judge After Capture by Lombard Police

by ArrestsBurglaryCrime SuspectsDaily Blog

Lombard, IL– Police officers about 8:56 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, were dispatched to Rogers & Holland Jewelers after receiving information that two individuals, later identified as the defendants, were inside the store approximately two hours after it had closed. Following an investigation into the matter, police discovered that Alls and Butler allegedly used a crowbar to pry open a security gate at the store. Once inside the store, the defendants allegedly stole approximately $137.205.45 worth of merchandise from the display cases. While in the store, Alls noticed a security officer, and yelled “we gotta go!” at which time both offenders fled the scene on foot, ultimately getting into a silver Volvo. Nearby officers located the Volvo at Highland Avenue and Roosevelt Road and observed the license plate was covered by a towel. Officers subsequently conducted a traffic stop and took the defendants into custody without incident. When processing the scene, officers located a crowbar in the backseat of the Volvo. Police also discovered a bag of jewelry allegedly thrown from the defendants’ vehicle near Roosevelt Road and Stewart Avenue, approximately two hundred feet from where the vehicle was initially observed by officers, and about two miles from the Rogers & Holland Jewelers.

“As I have said before, burglary and retail theft are not victimless crimes. Shoppers, employers, employees, business owners and entire communities ultimately bear the cost in the form of higher prices, lost revenue and wages, reduced local economic investment and a lost sense of security. I thank the Lombard Police Department for their work on this case and for their ongoing efforts in keeping our retail establishments safe for employees and patrons. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Michael Pingaj for their work in securing charges against Mr. Alls and Mr. Butler.”

— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin

“I would like to recognize our patrol officers and detectives for some fantastic professional police work that led to the apprehension of the individuals involved and the recovery of the property stolen in this incident. I would also like to thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their assistance in securing appropriate charges.”

— Lombard Deputy Chief of Police Joe Grage

The next court date for both defendants is scheduled for March 10, 2025, in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of a defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

— DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office

Article provided by Arlington Cardinal.com, click here to view article.

WASHINGTON

Puyallup, WA- Jewelry kiosk inside Puyallup mall burglarized

by BurglaryCrime NewsCrimesDaily Blog

PUYALLUP, Wash. — A jewelry kiosk inside a Puyallup mall was burglarized. Puyallup police told KIRO 7 News that multiple suspects shot out an entrance of the South Hill Mall Monday around 6:30 a.m.

Joe Bell, a spokesperson for the mall, said the two suspects entered near the movie theater and targeted Banter by the Piercing Pagoda inside the mall. Half of the jewelry cases were completely empty as of Wednesday afternoon, while several were missing glass.

“Concerned, concerned for the safety of the people, and of course the workers,” said Christopher Ramirez, a shopper. We called the company to get more details, but no one answered. However, Bell said the suspects dashed away before police and security arrived.

“These particular perpetrators came and went very fast,” he said. “It is very reminiscent, just the method that they used of similar burglaries we have seen in the Puget Sound area in the past couple of weeks. We’re working really closely with Puyallup police.”

KIRO 7 News asked Bell if the mall had plans to make any updates following the incident. The spokesperson said he couldn’t disclose any details for safety reasons, but said the mall’s top priority is safety. “We pride ourselves on having a very robust security arrangement at the mall, both human and electronic,” he said.

Puyallup detectives declined to share surveillance footage of the suspects, stating they did not want to impact the investigation.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on these suspects, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

Article provided by KIRO 7 News- Click here to view article.

Handcuffs

Newark, NJ- ARRESTED- Crew broke into N.J. store through ceiling. Member caught with $10K watch arrested, cops say.

by ArrestsBurglaryCrime NewsCrime SuspectsCrimesDaily BlogUncategorized

Newark, NJ– A member of a South American theft group was charged with federal crimes after he was caught with a wristwatch that he allegedly stole from an Essex County mall last year, investigators announced Tuesday.

Gustavo Ignacio Salas Ortega, 33, of Chile, and the group scouted the unidentified jewelry store that was located at a mall “in or around Millburn,” before committing the burglary, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of New Jersey.

He and the others entered the store through the ceiling and a hole they cut through an adjacent wall to steal multiple pieces of jewelry, the office said.

When police officers arrived at the business on Oct. 5, they reviewed surveillance footage which showed five people wearing masks, gloves, and some wearing reflective vests near the store while carrying bags and a collapsible ladder, according to a criminal complaint.

Further review of the footage showed some of the men, including Salas Ortega, surveilling and scouting the location of the store on both the day of and the day before the burglary, the complaint stated. He was not wearing a mask and his face was visible in the footage.

On Oct. 14, police, including members of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, detained Salas Ortega in Rochelle Park. They recovered the wristwatch, which he had also been seen wearing in ATM surveillance footage in New York a few days earlier, authorities said.

Detectives determined that the watch, which had been purchased for $10,800, was at the jewelry store for maintenance work, according tot he complaint.

Salas Ortega was charged with one count of conspiracy to receive stolen property that had crossed state lines and one count of receiving stolen property that had crossed state lines, the office said.

“The Joint Organized Crime Task Force has been working tirelessly to apprehend these alleged criminals, following a labyrinth of conspirators that span multiple states,” FBI-Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly said in a statement. “These alleged criminals are part of South American theft groups who have been targeting stores throughout the United States for months.”

Salas Ortega was detained Tuesday after his appearance in federal court in Newark, officials said

Article provided by NJ.com, click here to view.

warrant

Fort Wayne, IN- Man charged with stealing $65k in jewelry from Hobart JCPenney’s

by ArrestsBurglaryDaily Blog

Fort Wayne, IN- A man is charged with stealing $65,000 in jewelry from JCPenney’s at Southlake Mall.

Matthew Popplewell, 50, was charged Tuesday with burglary, theft and auto theft.

Hobart Police responded at 2:35 a.m. Nov. 6 to the mall for a security alarm. The door was shattered.

The store’s security video from 2:22 a.m. showed a man on a bicycle hammering the glass door. He waited five minutes before carrying a white bag upstairs to the jewelry section.

Police responded just after 11 a.m. Nov. 6 to an apartment on the 2000 block of Dogwood Trail in Merrillville. A woman said someone stole her Toyota Rav 4.

Cops later found the vehicle speeding on I-80/94 westbound. After a chase, cops arrested the driver, Popplewell, on the 400 block of S. Clinton Street in Chicago. It had heavy front-end damage and several airbags deployed.

Cops found six gold and one silver necklace inside with tags attached.

They also recovered clothing, a drug pipe, a JCPenney shopping bag and a cellphone. Cops called 911 to figure out the number and matched it in jail call records to Poppelwell.

Store employees later found another necklace on the floor.

Poppelwell told cops he was high on cocaine and Xanax before he appeared to admit having the vehicle. He denied stealing the jewelry. He consented to a DNA swab.

His Uber account showed he booked a ride to the mall at 6:20 p.m. Nov. 5. Undated Google searches from his phone showed “Price of scrap gold” and “Southlake mall hours.”

Article provided by Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune.