Up to 30 thieves raid Hellers Jewellers in broad daylight as police use drone technology to track suspects fleeing at 100mph in stolen cars
A mob of masked robbers have been caught on camera stealing approximately £750,000 worth of jewellery before shooting their way out when automatic security doors locked them inside a California store. The gang of between 20 and 30 thieves targeted Hellers Jewellers at City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, approximately 34 miles east of San Francisco, on Monday afternoon.
Shocking surveillance footage shows the masked suspects storming the store at 1:50pm, using crowbars, pickaxes and hammers to smash display cases whilst at least three carried firearms. When automatic security doors trapped them inside – a feature installed after a previous £825,000 ($1.1million) heist in 2023 – at least one gunman fired multiple rounds through the glass entrance to shatter it and allow the gang to escape.
Lieutenant Mike Pistello from the San Ramon Police Department told ABC 7 News: “When they went in, they basically took over the store, taking whatever jewellery was available.
High-Speed Chase Abandoned
The meticulously planned raid lasted just 90 seconds, with six separate getaway vehicles – several reported stolen – staged in the valet area approximately 30 metres from the store entrance. Police Chief Denton Carlson revealed officers pursued one vehicle “in excess of 100 miles per hour” before abandoning the chase “due to the inherent danger to the public” when suspects drove the wrong way into oncoming traffic.
Instead, a specialised drone funded by a 2023 organised retail theft grant tracked the fleeing vehicles across Contra Costa County and into Alameda County. The aerial footage proved crucial, capturing clear images of all suspects’ vehicles and individuals entering and leaving their cars.
“It shows all the suspects’ vehicles, as well as all the suspects leaving and entering their cars to leave,” Lt Pistello explained. The drone technology, part of San Ramon’s DFR (Drone as First Responder) programme, has been credited as instrumental in the investigation.
Seven Arrests Made
Police have arrested seven suspects in coordinated raids across Oakland and nearby Dublin, California. Those detained include Michael Ray, 31; Jimmy Ray, 27; Ira Austin, 19; Jahkeal McGolthin, 18; Jacques Samuel, 18; DeAndre Demisse, 19, and a 17-year-old whose name has not been released.
The suspects, ranging from 17 to 31 years old, are believed to be connected to similar crimes across the San Francisco Bay Area. Police recovered some stolen jewellery and two firearms allegedly discarded during the escape.
San Ramon officers credited their Dublin counterparts for issuing the initial alert about a robbery crew in the area. “We were very proud we were able to assist in the effort,” said Dublin Mayor Sherry Hu.
Second Major Heist
This marks the second million-dollar robbery at Hellers Jewellers in two years. On St Patrick’s Day 2023, seven masked men broke into the store and stole £825,000 worth of jewellery. Those suspects were eventually apprehended thanks to a GPS tracking device hidden inside a stolen Rolex watch.
Following that incident, the store installed automatic locking doors as an additional security measure – a feature that briefly trapped Monday’s raiders inside until they shot their way out.
“This is not their first time doing something like this,” Lt Pistello stated. “This is not something that happens a lot in San Ramon. We’re doing our best to follow up on every lead possible.”
Pattern of Violence
The robbery is part of a concerning surge in violent jewellery store heists across the Bay Area. On September 5, more than a dozen masked assailants violently robbed Kim Hung Jewelry in San Jose, shoving the elderly owner to the ground. Five days later, a Milpitas jewellery store owner fired at would-be robbers, causing them to flee empty-handed.
Edward Escobar, founder of Citizens Unite and lead organiser of the Coalition for Community Engagement, said: “We’re seeing the same MO – crime gangs being orchestrated, criminal rings hiring very young, influential and impressionable young people.
Police Sergeant Leysy Pelayo noted that suspects are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their planning. “Some take each case and learn from it and adapt,” she said.
Technology Proves Crucial
The successful tracking and arrests have been credited to improved coordination between law enforcement agencies and advanced technology. The drone programme, funded through organised retail theft grants, provided critical evidence that ground units couldn’t safely obtain during the high-speed pursuit.
“Technology can be our friend. We need to control the rollout, shape the future of fighting crime,” Escobar said, praising San Ramon police for their use of modern technology.
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office provided air support that continued tracking suspects even after ground pursuit was terminated for public safety reasons. Three of the seven arrested suspects were apprehended at Dublin BART station before they could flee further.
Store Reopens Saturday
In a Facebook statement, the family behind Hellers Jewellers thanked the community for its support and announced the store would reopen on Saturday. “We are deeply grateful that nobody was harmed. That is what matters most,” the statement read.
No injuries were reported during the robbery, despite shots being fired. Other stores at City Center were locked down during the incident as a precaution.
The shopping centre management declined to comment on the robbery when contacted by media outlets. However, the incident has renewed calls for enhanced security measures at retail locations throughout the region.
Investigation Continues
With approximately 18 suspects still at large, San Ramon detectives are continuing their investigation. Police believe the group has links to Oakland’s 65th Village gang, which has been connected to a regional spree of smash-and-grab robberies.
Detective Corporal Kevin Tjahjadi is leading the investigation and has asked anyone who witnessed the robbery to contact him at 925-733-7316. Police say they will not release additional information at this time as it may compromise ongoing investigative efforts.
The San Ramon Police Department thanked the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and Oakland Police Department for their assistance in the operation. As community leaders call for increased public safety measures, the incident highlights the growing challenge of organised retail crime in California’s Bay Area.
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