Overview

• On July 20, the owner of Al-Amira Jewelry in Anaheim fired a single warning shot into the ceiling, lodging the bullet in bulletproof glass to scare off 15 to 20 masked suspects wielding sledgehammers and pickaxes.
• Security footage shows five cars pulling up to the Brookhurst Street storefront and the would-be burglars fleeing without entering the store or causing injuries.
• Officers have identified one license plate from the five getaway vehicles and are pursuing additional leads to link the incident to earlier smash-and-grab burglaries in Glendale, Simi Valley, El Monte and Encino.
• Investigators are also examining Tuesday’s smash-and-grab robbery at Don Roberto Jewelers in Anaheim, marking that store’s second hit in one week.
• The recent crime wave has driven jewelry merchants to reinforce doors, install bulletproof glass and upgrade security systems to deter future coordinated attacks.