A hoard of about 20 thieves broke into a California jewelry store and cleared out the place in the latest brazen smash-and-grab robbery caught on camera in the Bay Area.
Shocking surveillance video shows the moment burglars used hammers to break into the PNG Jewelers USA store, in Sunnyvale, last Wednesday at 12:26 p.m., Fox News reports.
The thieves are seen banging against the glass doors of the store until they shatter, allowing nearly two dozen of them to rush in and raid the display cases.
About 20 thieves raided a Bay Area jewelry store last Wednesday in broad daylight. KTVU
The hoard of thieves were seen using hammers to bust open the display cases. KTVUThe robbers, who kept their faces hidden under masks and hoodies, go on to use their hammers to break open the cases and fill their bags and backpacks with merchandise.
One thief appeared to have a large sledgehammer as he used both hands to wield it and break open a case.
While several of the burglars appeared to be content with a small haul as they fled the scene in less than a minute, others stayed behind for more than twice as long to fill their bags.
The store was practically emptied in less than 3 minutes, with a store employee then seen stepping out from a closed room and covering her mouth in shock as she surveyed the destruction.
Police arrived at the scene about an hour later, with officers able to catch five suspects after police spotted two getaway vehicles still in the area, according to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety.
The pursuing officers lost sight of one vehicle, but they stayed on the second car traveling down Highway 101 as the thieves allegedly tossed the stolen jewelry out of the car, police said.
Five of the suspects were arrested (from left to right) Afuhia Lavakeiaho, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe. Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety/Facebook
The group manages to clear out the store in less than three minutes. KTVUThe suspects eventually abandoned the car and tried to run on foot, but all five were found and taken into custody.
The suspects were identified as Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa and Afuhia Lavakeiaho.
All five were booked in Santa Clara County Jail and charged with armed robbery, felony vehicle evasion, resisting arrest, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism and possession of burglary tools.
Sunnyvale police said that while some of the stolen jewelry has been recovered, it still remains unclear the total value of the stolen merchandise.
