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TULALIP, WA- GRAB AND RUN

by Crime SuspectsCrimesDaily BlogGrab and Run

Tulalip, WA- On September 29, 2025, A jewelry store at the Seattle Premium Outlets experienced a grab and run theft by a lone female. The female suspect entered the store and asked to see a variety of gold chains. She was shown both natural and lab created diamond studded chains and bracelets. She asked to try on a 22-inch lab created necklace and the employee assisted with putting it on her neck. The suspect then asked to try on a lab created bracelet which she put around her left wrist. The suspect then picked up the third item which was another lab created bracelet from the presentation pad and quickly walked out of the store without making payment. Mall security was advised. No injuries occurred in this incident. A report was filed with local police. The woman is suspected in numerous grab and run thefts since June of this year in Tukwila, Auburn, and Tacoma, Washington. Be Alert.

Suspect(s) Description: Female suspect is described as Asian or Filipino, 35 – 40 years of age, 5’5 – 5’6” tall weighting 120-150 lbs. Chambord black and white shoes, black pants and a black T-shirt under a green jar get. The suspect wore prescription glasses and carried a large pink shoulder bag or purse.

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

warrant

St. Maarten- Brazen Daylight Robbery and Jet-Ski Escape fuel fears amidst St Maarten Crime Wave.

by Armed RobberyCrime SuspectsCrimesInternational

St. Maarten- A dramatic daylight robbery at Value Jewelers located on Front Street on Tuesday has intensified community fears over a perceived surge in crime, prompting conflicting statements from business leaders and law enforcement. The daring heist, which saw suspects escaping on a Jet Ski, occurred just hours after police addressed public safety concerns, highlighting a tense atmosphere on the island.

The robbery took place shortly after noon. According to initial reports, two individuals targeted the jewelry store before making a bold getaway to Cape Bay Beach, where they fled by sea on a Jet Ski. Police responded quickly, detaining several people in the area for questioning. While bystanders reported that the suspects were apprehended, Police Spokesman Joe Josepha stated that the force was actively investigating and would provide confirmed details later.

This latest incident has amplified anxieties within the local business community, particularly among members of the Island Merchants Association (IMA). Earlier, the IMA had issued an urgent public safety notice following what it described as a “concerning increase in criminal activity,” including a series of daily home invasions. IMA President Sunny Khatnani called on residents and business owners to move high-value items like cash and jewelry to secure off-site locations, such as safety deposit boxes.

The association also issued a specific directive for jewelers and their vendors, instructing them to cease using personal vehicles for transporting valuable goods. Instead, they were advised to use professional armored transport services to mitigate the risk of theft during transit.

In response to the IMA’s alert, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) issued a statement strongly refuting the claim of “daily home invasions.” The police emphasized that such characterizations were not supported by official crime statistics and risked spreading unnecessary fear and misinformation. KPSM reassured the public that it has been conducting strategic operations over the past weeks, resulting in the arrest of multiple suspects involved in armed robberies and other serious offenses.

The police force stressed its commitment to public safety and its ongoing partnership with the community, but requested that organizations ensure public statements are factually accurate to avoid causing undue alarm.

Despite these assurances, the brazen nature of the Value Jewelers robbery has left many residents and merchants on edge. The incident, following so closely on the heels of the public warnings and police response, underscores the significant challenge facing the island as it grapples with both the reality of crime and the community’s growing perception of insecurity. As law enforcement continues its investigation, the community waits anxiously for answers and a restoration of safety.

san marcos

SAN MARCOS, TX- Grab and Run turns into Armed Robbery with a Firearm for Jewelry Store Employees.

by Armed RobberyCrime SuspectsCrimesGrab and Run

San Marcos, TX– On August 7, 2025, cameras at the Kings Jeweler in San Marcos captured an employee showing a costumer some pieces of jewelry.

“He saw the pad that was the heaviest, and he said, ‘can I see that I like that chain, show me that chain,’” the owner of Kings Jeweler, Minhaj Baig, said while describing what’s happening in the video.

Baig explained that the heavier the jewelry, the more expensive. He said usually his employees only show one item at a time, but this customer was distracting the employee.

“My employee, he showed the chain, and he was just like, oh, show me that, show this, so he could distract my sales rep,” Baig said.

Not a minute later, the man snatched the pad with the jewelry on it. “He just took it and ran off. My employee still ran behind him,” Baig said. A car was waiting for the thief outside. It’s described as a white Kia Forte (possibly 2014–2016 model) with a temporary rear tag and a blue placard on the front plate area.

The employee was hanging onto the car until, “they showed him the gun,” Baig said. The employee let go. The thief took $41,000 worth of jewelry with him.

“We have to take that loss and there is no way to recover that loss,” Baig said. The San Marcos Police Department has figured out who the person is in the video. A warrant has been issued for 34-year-old Yasmany Iglesias Miranda. The owner of the jewelry shop is confident police will find him.

“To catch a thief is very important so that other people know that this can happen to you. Don’t try to do this thing again,” Baig said.

Baig’s message for others who do this sort of thing: “Work hard and make that money rather than stealing it. You will get in trouble later on.”

If you have any information on this incident or whereabouts of Yasmany Iglesias Miranda, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

To view the article and video provided by Fox 7 News- Austin, click here.

greenville

GREENVILLE, N.C.- Suspect falls through ceiling in failed North Carolina jewelry store heist.

by ArrestsBurglaryCrime NewsCrime SuspectsCrimes

GREENVILLE, N.C. – A pair of suspects from Belgium and Romania are in custody after a failed heist at a jewelry store, according to the Greenville Police Department.

At around 3:59 a.m. on Thursday, officers came to Bailey’s Jewelry on 511 Red Banks Road in Greenville after responding to an alarm.

Police arrived at the scene three minutes later and heard movement in the ceiling of the jewelry store. They issued multiple commands for the suspects to leave the store and the two men were later taken into custody. A large quantity of jewelry was recovered at the scene.

Investigators say one of the suspects was taken to the hospital as he fell through the ceiling during the attempted heist before being released back into police custody.

One of the suspects was identified as Cristi-Catalin Balaban, 31, of Romania. Balaban is being charged with felony breaking and entering and felony attempted larceny.

The second suspect initially provided police with a false name and passport. With the help of the FBI, he was later identified as Nicolae Aramis Stefanuca, 50, of Romania. Stefanuca is being charged with felony breaking and entering, felony attempted larceny and felony obstructing justice.

Both of the suspects are being held in the Pitt County Detention Center.

Investigators say they are working with the FBI and the United States Department of State to determine whether or not the pair committed any additional crimes.

The investigation is still active and police say more charges are possible.

Article provided by Fox 8 News, click here to view.

money

New York, NY- Tons of cocaine, $100M cash shipped from LA to NYC via luxury flights, feds allege

by ArrestsCrime SuspectsCrimesUncategorized

New York, NY– Five people were arrested Tuesday in connection with a sprawling cross-country drug trafficking organization that funneled some 22 tons of cocaine and over $100 million in cash between Los Angeles and New York, officials with the U.S. Department of Justice announced.

Prosecutors said in a news release that the organizations’ alleged ringleaders, 45-year-old David Rodriguez, aka “Gotti” and “Fat Boy,” of Dumont, New Jersey, and 39-year-old Raymond O’Connell, aka “Sal” and “White Boy,” of Manhattan, have been in custody since 2024.

The two men are accused of purchasing and shipping bulk quantities of cocaine stored at an office fronting as a jewelry store in the California Jewelry Mart in downtown L.A.

Cocaine was reportedly shipped in locked plastic cases concealed in New York City’s Diamond District using what the DOJ described as “high-value freight forwarding companies” that specialize in shipping jewelry, precious metals and fine art.

Once Rodriguez and O’Connell redistributed the drugs to co-conspirators on the East Coast, prosecutors allege, they directed the cash proceeds to L.A., where others in the organization laundered the cash.

Investigators said that more than 800 parcels of coke were shipped from L.A. to New York, an estimated 22 tons of the drug, with an estimated street value of $315 million. More than 500 parcels were shipped from New York to L.A. with an estimated street value of $105 million.

“During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than $2.8 million in cash drug proceeds and more than 725 kilograms (nearly 1,600 pounds) of cocaine, as well as high-end cars and jewelry that defendants purchased using drug proceeds,” the release noted.

Another defendant in the case, 47-year-old New York City resident Ronnell Sweat, pleaded guilty to federal firearm charges in 2024 and is currently serving a 15-year sentence in federal prison, according to the DOJ.

Five additional arrests made Tuesday in connection with the drug trafficking organization, including:

52-year-old Brooklyn resident Jamel Donald Levy
50-year-old Bronx resident Bruce Adams
33-year-old Englewood, New Jersey, resident Cindy Rachel Imbert
30-year-old downtown L.A. resident Nohely Jimenez
42-year-old downtown L.A. resident Lorna “Cookie” Martinez
All three defendants from the East Coast made their initial court appearances on Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, while both L.A. defendants are due to appear in Los Angeles federal court on Wednesday.

Authorities have yet to announce exactly what charges the five defendants arrested on Tuesday are facing.

Rodriquez and O’Connell were charged by federal prosecutors with the following counts:

Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine
Four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine
Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and money laundering
“If convicted, Rodriguez and O’Connell would face mandatory sentences of life in federal prison. The cocaine distribution charges carry a 10-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment,” the release detailed. “The money laundering-related counts are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.”

Investigators are still trying to locate two other defendants charged in the superseding indictment: 52-year-old Daniel “Nice” Vega and 40-year-old Gregory “G” Antonio Benitez, both residents of New York City.

Article provided by Fox 59 News, click HERE to view.

milipitas

Milpitas, CA- Armed jewelry store employee thwarts hammer-wielding suspects in Milpitas

by Armed RobberyCrime SuspectsCrimes

MILPITAS, CA. — A family-owned jewelry store in Milpitas narrowly avoided a robbery on Wednesday when an armed employee scared off the would-be thieves.

The attempted robbery involved a large group of people rushing the store, armed with hammers and bags, but they were deterred by the presence of a gun.

An employee of the store was armed with a gun, and managed to scare off the people who tried to storm the store.

The incident in Milpitas mirrors a similar smash-and-grab robbery in San Jose last week, where thieves shoved an 88-year-old shop owner who later had a stroke.

Local leaders and political groups rallied in front of Fine Jewelry in Milpitas, calling on Governor Newsom to fund Prop 36, which they believe would make it easier to prosecute thieves.

Organizers say San Jose is experiencing a crime wave, and there is a lot of unreported crime throughout the Bay Area that needs to be factored in.

The family who owns the Milpitas store did not want to be interviewed but told the Milpitas mayor they were robbed about two years ago in the same way. They plan to reopen the store soon.

Article provided by KRON 4 News, click HERE to view.

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

sunnyvale

Sunnyvale, Ca- Police interrupt jewelry store burglary.

by Armed RobberyBurglaryCrimes

Sunnyvale, CA– The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety began receiving reports about 3:45 p.m. on Sunday of a stolen car driving near Mary and California avenues heading south toward El Camino Real, according to a department statement.

Officers were sent to the El Camino Real corridor due to concerns that the reported stolen vehicle could be connected to an attempted robbery, the department said. While in the corridor, officers saw “a caravan of several vehicles” fleeing west on El Camino Real, and began to pursue them.

The pursuit led officers onto Highway 101 into Palo Alto, where the California Highway Patrol took over. The CHP ended the pursuit shortly after.

At the same time as the pursuit, the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety received reports of a robbery in progress at a jewelry store in the area. Officers arrived on the scene, and the group of suspects fled.

A subsequent investigation into the report revealed that a group of “approximately 20 suspects,” some of which were armed with sledgehammers, attempted to break into the jewelry store. However, they were not able to enter the store before police arrived.

No injuries were reported in the pursuit or the attempted burglary at the jewelry store, the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety said. No arrests were announced in connection to either incident.

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

Article provided by Fox 2 News KTVU, click here to view article.

NC2

WINSTON- SALEM, NC- GRAB AND RUN.

by Crime SuspectsCrimesDaily BlogGrab and Run

WINSTON -SALEM, NC- On August 24, 2025, the suspect entered the store and told the employee that he was looking for a necklace because his brother just bought one. He said that he was looking for something solid, and that he had a budget of about $8,000. He looked at some different chains, then pointed to one. He said that he wanted to see how it looked on him, and he also wanted to see how it looked on him with a matching charm. The employee told him that he could only have one piece at a time, and he told her that he didn’t know how he could decide unless he could see both pieces on. She still would not let him see both pieces. He eventually looked like he was going to put it on, but he had control of the piece and fled the store. He was seen getting into a newer black SUV that was waiting for him.

Suspect(s) Description: Male, black, 6’0″, 200 lbs, black hat, peach Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts

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

oakland

Oakland, CA- Jewelry store rammed with vehicle and robbed with firearms in broad daylight.

by Armed RobberyCrimesSmash and Grab

OAKLAND, Calif. – An armed robbery took place Monday afternoon at an Oakland jewelry store, after the business was rammed with a vehicle that was left at the scene, police say.

The Oakland Police Department said the business, located at the 700 block of International Boulevard, was significantly damaged. Video from the scene shows the front security gate is broken down at Kim Tim jewelry.

Employees were seen trying to clear and assess the damage. There was shattered glass everywhere near the front of the store.

Police said the robbery happened just before 1:45 p.m. and that officers arrived at the scene to investigate.

An employee told police someone used a vehicle to ram the store. That’s when police say some people entered with firearms and took items from the business before fleeing the area. The vehicle was left at the scene.

Police said they are actively investigating this case. They asked the public for any video or photos that may help with their investigation.

Police did not say if anyone was injured. It is not known what was taken or how valuable the items may be. Police did not offer any suspect information, nor did they indicate if any arrests have been made.

To view article provided by Fox 2 KTVU News, click HERE.

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

ga2

VALDOSTA, GA- GRAB AND RUN

by Crime SuspectsCrimesDaily BlogGrab and Run

Valdosta, GA– On August 08, 2025, a jeweler was the victim of a grab and run theft. A lone male entered the location and began looking at chains and bracelets. After several minutes, the male decided to apply for a credit line but was declined. Next, the male stated he would buy an item. The employee took the item to the register and began ringing up the sale. While doing so, the male stated he wanted to see another bracelet. The employee the bracelet to the showcase to show the male a different item. However, the male grabbed the above item out of the employees’ hand and began running out of the store. Prior to exiting, the male turned as said “I’m sorry”. Witnesses observed the male enter a tan Dodge Charger with Florida tags. In addition, the male left a GA identification card (photo depicted above) behind. A police report was filed.

Suspect(s) Description: Male, Black, 5’11”, thin build, early 30’s, wearing a Black and Red Jordan Basketball Jersey, Jordan Hat, black pants

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