Seattle Jewelry Store Robbery Nets $2 Million in Valuables

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A jewelry store in West Seattle was targeted in a brazen smash-and-grab robbery that lasted less than two minutes and resulted in the theft of an estimated $2 million in diamonds, luxury watches, gold, and other items, according to police.

The incident took place midday on Thursday when four masked suspects forced entry into the family-owned store. Surveillance footage released by police shows the group using hammers to shatter the locked glass front door before moving quickly to ransack six display cases.

One of the cases reportedly contained about $750,000 worth of Rolex watches, while another held an emerald necklace valued at $125,000. Authorities confirmed that the suspects also took additional high-value jewelry items during the heist.

Police said one suspect threatened employees with bear spray and a stun gun during the robbery. Despite the aggressive tactics, no injuries were reported among staff members or customers present at the time.

Josh Menashe, vice president of the family-owned store, described the aftermath as devastating. “We’re pretty shook up as a staff,” he said in a phone interview with the Associated Press on Friday. Menashe added that employees had spent hours cleaning up shattered glass and were still assessing the full extent of losses.

Following the robbery, police officers quickly responded to the scene. However, the suspects had already fled in a getaway vehicle, eluding an immediate search of the area. Authorities have not released further details about the suspects or the car used in the escape.

The Menashe family has operated the jewelry store for decades and is considered a well-established business in the Seattle community. The incident has raised concerns about rising retail thefts in the city and the increasing boldness of organized smash-and-grab crimes.

Police have urged anyone with information about the robbery to contact Seattle authorities as the investigation continues. Officials are reviewing surveillance footage and appealing to the public for assistance in identifying those responsible.

Menashe said the store will remain closed while staff members conduct a full inventory and work with insurers. “We’re gonna be closed for a while,” he noted. Despite the setback, he emphasized the family’s commitment to reopening and continuing to serve customers in the community.

The case highlights the challenges faced by retailers in securing high-value merchandise and the speed at which such crimes can occur. With the suspects still at large, authorities are focusing efforts on tracking leads that could help bring those responsible to justice.