SHERMAN OAKS, CA – In a brazen display of criminal audacity, two jewelry heists rocked the San Fernando Valley over a span of 24 hours, leaving authorities scrambling for answers. The latest incident occurred at the Westfield Fashion Square Mall in Sherman Oaks, targeting a high-end jewelry store during the bustling lunch hour.
The scene unfolded with four suspects, all donning hoodies and masks, storming the store. Armed with heavy objects, they shattered glass display cases and countertops, making off with a cache of luxury items. In the chaos, a 60-year-old employee attempted to intervene but was overpowered and pepper-sprayed, suffering injuries that required emergency medical attention.
This audacious theft follows another jewelry heist at the Westfield Century City Mall. In that incident, a seemingly unsuspecting family, including a woman in blue, a man, and a child, orchestrated a theft. While the man and child diverted the clerk’s attention, the woman swiftly pocketed a diamond ring valued at approximately $20,000.
Both robberies targeted high-end diamonds, sparking concerns about a potential connection between the two crimes. Investigators are currently examining surveillance footage and searching for clues that might link the suspects.
The escape route of the Sherman Oaks thieves suggests meticulous planning. After the heist, they fled in a silver-gray Audi A6, strategically parked to enable a quick exit onto a nearby freeway. Interestingly, the suspects attempted to obscure the car’s license plates with yellow paper or cloth, adding to the challenges facing law enforcement.
The community remains on high alert as police intensify their manhunt for the suspects. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the public’s crucial role in solving these crimes.
As detectives piece together the puzzle, the incidents highlight growing concerns over the frequency and boldness of such thefts in the area. The investigation continues to unfold, with law enforcement determined to bring those responsible to justice.