An Indian-owned jewelry store, Bhindi Jewelers in Newark, was robbed on Wednesday, May 29, in a coordinated smash-and-grab operation. Over a dozen thieves targeted the store located off Cedar Boulevard, making off with substantial amounts of jewelry.
The incident, which took place just after noon, involved 15-17 individuals armed with hammers. They broke display cases and grabbed jewelry as a security siren blared, causing confusion. The robbers quickly fled to the parking lot, escaping in multiple cars. Some jewelry was dropped during their escape and later recovered. The entire robbery was captured on the store’s CCTV cameras.
Authorities suspect the robbery was part of an organized effort. Two stolen getaway cars were found abandoned in Fremont. This incident mirrors a similar robbery at Nitin Jewelers in Sunnyvale on May 4.
Bhindi Jewelers, founded by Karsanji Bhindi, a fifth-generation goldsmith who emigrated from India to the Fiji Islands, expanded to North America in 1975 under the leadership of his sons Vinod, Jayent, and Dhanesh. The store has showrooms in Los Angeles and Atlanta, in addition to its Newark location.
“This coordinated crime not only damages our business but also impacts the community,” said a source close to Bhindi Jewelers, who wished to remain anonymous. The police investigation is ongoing.
Related topics:
