Surveillance video released in Clovis Kay Jewelers smash-and-grab robbery
CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Four masked suspects stormed into the Kay Jewelers at the Clovis Crossing Shopping Center on Wednesday night, smashing display cases and grabbing handfuls of jewelry in a robbery that unfolded in just seconds.
Clovis police say two of the suspects broke open the cases while the other two scooped up merchandise before all four ran from the store.
"They knew what they were doing," Clovis police spokesperson Ty Wood said. "We're looking at the possibility to see if they cased the specific location before or if they just happen to show up and they've worked together before."
Police say the group was inside the store for less than two minutes.
Investigators said the suspects took off in a stolen car from outside the area, abandoned it in a nearby neighborhood and escaped.
Detectives are searching the recovered vehicle, reviewing surveillance footage from inside and outside the store, and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies.
"We are investigating to see if this smashing ground robbery is related to any crew that may be working in the Bay Area, so in California or anywhere else in the state," Wood said.
The theft closely resembles a smash-and-grab robbery at another Kay Jewelers in Stockton last month, where video showed four masked men using hammers to raid the store inside a mall.
The string of high-profile robberies has left shoppers uneasy across Northern and Southern California.
"How do we stop it? ... What is this? What's this about?" said Clovis resident Linda Riley.
"I think this is really sad and this kind of stuff doesn't happen in Clovis," she added. "Now all of a sudden there's been a couple of them that's happened."
The Clovis store remained closed Thursday as employees assessed damage and emptied jewelry cases.
Police say about half a dozen people were inside at the time of the robbery, but no injuries were reported.
"The shopping center is always packed. It was right before closing time - how scary is that?" Riley said.
Authorities have not announced any arrests. The suspects could face several charges including robbery and conspiracy.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact the Clovis Police Department.
For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Colón on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
