SEATTLE (BN24) — Four masked robbers staged a brazen daytime smash-and-grab at a family-owned jewelry store in West Seattle, escaping with an estimated $2 million worth of diamonds, Rolex watches, gold, and other high-end items in a robbery that lasted less than two minutes, police said Friday.
The heist unfolded midday Thursday when the suspects shattered the store’s locked glass front door with hammers before storming inside, according to surveillance footage released by police. Once inside, the men quickly smashed open six display cases, targeting luxury timepieces and fine jewelry.
Among the stolen items was a single display containing about $750,000 worth of Rolex watches and an emerald necklace valued at $125,000, investigators said.
As the robbery unfolded, one suspect menaced employees with bear spray and a Taser. Despite the threats, no staff members were physically harmed.
“We’re pretty shook up as a staff,” said Josh Menashe, vice president of the family-run business, speaking by phone on Friday. “We’re gonna be closed for a while.” He added that workers spent much of the day clearing broken glass and assessing the scope of the losses.
Seattle police officers responded within minutes, but the suspects had already fled the scene in a waiting getaway car. A search of the surrounding area turned up no trace of the thieves, and investigators are now reviewing the store’s video evidence in hopes of identifying the crew.
The robbery adds to a growing trend of high-value smash-and-grab heists targeting jewelry stores in major U.S. cities. Police have not released descriptions of the suspects but said the speed and precision of the theft suggested the group was organized and experienced.
