California suspects ram SUV into jewelry repair business, loot store, police say
The vehicle used to ram the storefront was stolen just days before, police believe
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Two masked suspects looted a jewelry-repair shop in Southern California this week after ramming a suspected stolen vehicle into the storefront, according to police.
The burglary happened shortly after 1:30 a.m. Wednesday at Jewelry and Repair Center in Escondido, about 30 miles north of San Diego, police said.
The two men used a white Volkswagen SUV that authorities believe was stolen two days earlier from Oceanside, which is about 20 miles away from Escondido.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Once inside, one of the burglars used an ax to break display cases and steal jewelry and cash.
Police described both suspects as Hispanic male adults, one wearing a gray Nike sweatshirt and the other wearing a black sweatshirt and blue jeans.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Several California cities, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, have seen a spate of "smash-and-grab" robberies and retail thefts in recent months.
The California Highway Patrol said last week that its Organized Retail Crime Task Force has arrested more than 370 suspects and recovered $19.7 million in stolen merchandise since 2019.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Anyone with information about Wednesday's jewelry store robbery can call the Escondido Police Department at 760-839-4722 or make an anonymous tip at 760-743-TIPS (8477).