Armed robbery crew hits jewelry shop, takes $500K in goods
The crew "used sledgehammers to break display cases and brandished firearms to threaten and control the staff and customers," BPD said.
Masked robbers "armed with guns and sledgehammers" forced their way into a Berkeley jewelry shop over the weekend, making off with $500,000 in merchandise, authorities report.
The armed robbery happened Saturday just before 2:10 p.m. at Bombay Jewelry Company, at 1042 University Ave. near 10th Street.
Berkeley police said seven to eight people forced their way into the business in a "coordinated robbery."
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They "used sledgehammers to break display cases and brandished firearms to threaten and control the staff and customers," BPD said. "The total estimated loss is approximately $500,000 in assorted jewelry."
The call initially came into BPD from the alarm company and police responded quickly, according to dispatch audio reviewed by The Scanner.
The group showed up in two vehicles described as black and silver sedans.
The Berkeley Police Department is "actively investigating" the robbery, authorities said Monday.
Robberies in Berkeley are down significantly this year, from more than 170 last year at this time to about 100 in 2024.
