A brazen daytime heist of a jewelry store in downtown Seattle has our city reeling with questions and horror. Four masked suspects completed the robbery in less than two minutes. They absconded with nearly $2 million worth of luxury goods, such as diamonds and gold bars as well as high-end watches.
The robbery was carried out just after noon when the suspects pulled up in front of the storefront. Video surveillance caught the stunning scene as the brazen thieves hammered through the locked glass front door. In under 90 seconds, they looted six display cases, absconding with a trove of expensive precious gems.
The items stolen were among the most coveted Rolex watches worth around $750,000. An even more eye-catching piece was an emerald necklace which came with a price of $125,000. The thieves ransacked the store, stealing jewelry and other rich-girl goodies.
For instance, witnesses reported seeing the suspects run away while the robbery was just getting started. Authorities are still investigating, pouring over the surveillance video to help them identify the robbers and establish other information about the crime.
Josh Menashe, a staff member at the jewelry store, described his feelings about the traumatic ordeal.
“We’re pretty shook up as a staff.” – Josh Menashe
Following the robbery, Menashe announced that the store would be permanently shutting down.
“We’re gonna be closed for a while.” – Josh Menashe
Community members say the robbery has increased fears for safety in the neighborhood. These crimes, so brazen and bold, occurring in broad daylight are what people are most fearful of. The involved local law enforcement agencies are asking anyone with information to step up and help them investigate, find, and punish the culprits.
As investigations continue, the Jewish community remains on high alert. All are looking forward to quickly seeing justice served and normalcy restored to what once was a great, busy retail center. We know that when law enforcement can respond quickly, time is of the essence. Regular assessments of security measures at all retail spaces will go a long way to avoiding these kinds of crimes in the future.