California Store Owner: $500K Worth of Jewelry Stolen in Smash-and-Grab

Jewelry Store Owner Reeling After Daring Daylight Heist

A jewelry store owner in Southern California is facing an uncertain future after a shocking incident on Tuesday. Samuel Babikian, who has been running Jewels on Lake in Pasadena for nearly half a century, was left stunned when a group of masked thieves executed a bold smash-and-grab robbery, making off with jewelry worth a staggering $500,000. The audacious theft took place in broad daylight, leaving the store owner in shock and distress.

The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. when Babikian was confronted by the masked culprits. They used pepper spray to disable him and quickly ransacked the store, leaving him unable to identify or count the thieves. Witnesses informed the Pasadena police that four men wearing ski masks were responsible for the crime. The thieves managed to escape before the authorities could reach the scene.

“I didn’t see nothing. I don’t even see who they are, I don’t even know how many people they are,” Babikian recounted, still reeling from the experience. The store owner’s emotional turmoil is intensified by the uncertainty about his future. “I don’t know what I would do tomorrow morning. I don’t know if I should come to the store. This was my life, the place that gave food to my family,” he expressed.

The audacious heist involved stealing jewelry from various display cases throughout the store. This shocking incident underscores the ongoing issue of organized retail crime in California. Not long ago, masked thieves targeted a Macy’s store in Los Angeles, grabbing merchandise before escaping in getaway cars. These events prompted the formation of a regional retail crime task force, composed of various law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Marshals Apprehension Task Force, and FBI Apprehension Task Force.

The jewelry store owner’s anguish reflects the devastating impact these crimes can have on individuals and their livelihoods. The incident serves as a reminder that security measures and collaborative efforts are crucial to combat organized crime and protect the well-being of businesses and communities.