Two would-be burglars clad in all black tried to break into a California jewelry store with sledgehammers but failed when the glass proved too tough. The incident occurred at DeVons Jewelers in San Joaquin County’s Lincoln Village. The pair attempted to smash open an outdoor display case filled with Rolexes, but despite their repeated blows, the glass didn’t break. They were caught on camera awkwardly wielding the sledgehammers, showing they were inexperienced in this type of crime.
An employee of DeVons spotted the attempted break-in and ran to a nearby juice bar to alert the owner Mark Sarale. Sarale quickly ensured the safety of his customers and employees by closing the doors and keeping them inside. Meanwhile, the jewelry store employees managed to secure the watches from the display case before the suspects could reach them. This caused the would-be burglars to abandon their attempts and flee in their vehicle. They drove off in a black, four-door sedan, leaving the scene of the crime.
Law enforcement characterized the incident as a common occurrence, known as a smash-and-grab robbery, where criminals quickly break into a location and steal as much as they can before escaping. Despite the unsuccessful attempt, the jewelry store suffered thousands of dollars in damages. Sheriff’s Office representative Andres Lopez mentioned that surveillance video footage could help identify the suspects, but cautioned against risking personal safety by confronting criminals. DeVons Jewelers released a statement expressing gratitude that no one was harmed during the incident and praising their staff for their quick response.
The failed burglary attempt left a lasting impact on the neighborhood, with residents like Mark Sarale feeling shocked and upset by the brazenness of the criminals. Sarale emphasized how concerning it was to see such a crime taking place in broad daylight. He expressed sadness over the situation, stating that it was distressing to see everyone put in jeopardy because of the attempted robbery. Despite the unsettling nature of the incident, local law enforcement confirmed that incidents like these are unfortunately common and advised against directly engaging with criminals in similar situations.
Overall, the incident at DeVons Jewelers highlighted the risks and consequences of attempted smash-and-grab robberies. While the two suspects failed in their endeavor, the incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining awareness and safety measures in the face of criminal activity. The quick actions of both the jewelry store employees and local businesses like the juice bar owner helped prevent any injuries and mitigate potential losses. The community response to the incident underscored the impact such crimes can have on local residents and businesses, prompting a renewed emphasis on safety and security measures.
