Blowtorch Burglars Target Encino Jewelry Store, Stealing Nearly $1 Million

Brazen Jewelry Store Heist

• 💥 Thieves used a blowtorch to break into safes at a family-run jewelry store in Encino, causing significant damage and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.
• ⏰ The burglary occurred early Monday morning, with thieves taking approximately an hour to an hour and a half to torch the safes.
• 🗣️ Surveillance video captured at least four thieves, who were heard speaking in Spanish, crawling on the floor towards the safes after cutting a hole into the store from an adjacent vacant business.

Devastating Impact on Business Owners

• 💔 The owner's brother expressed that the entire family is devastated, describing the loss as unimaginable for business owners who have built their lives and savings over many years.
• 💨 The smell of smoke from the blowtorch use was still present days later, highlighting the destructive nature of the break-in.

Pattern of Similar Crimes

• 🔗 This incident is very similar to a previous break-in in Glendale, where thieves also used blowtorches to gain entry to a jewelry store and its safes.
• 🔍 Authorities are investigating potential connections between these similar MOs.