More than $USD2 million in cash and jewellery was stolen from the safe of a family-owned jewellery store after suspects broke into an adjacent candy store.
According to local media reports, security camera footage shows the suspects crawling through the candy store before breaking through the wall of 5 Star Jewelry and Watch Repair in Simi Valley.
The crime unfolded over more than three hours, with the criminals cutting through concrete. Jonathan Youssef and his 71-year-old father have owned the store for 25 years.
"They took everything we worked for," Youssef told KABC. "My dad's retirement savings, my kids' future - we have to start all over again."
"I can't give back their grandma's diamonds or grandpa's watch. These were pieces that meant everything to our customers, who I consider friends."
He continued: "These were not regular criminals. This was a planned, well-organised attack that required special skills and careful planning."
The Simi Valley Police Department is investigating the break-in, and a GoFundMe page has been established to help the jewellery store owners recover from their losses.
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