LOS ANGELES — Millions of {dollars} price of gems and jewellery had been stolen in an armored truck theft final week in Southern California, authorities stated Sunday.
The Brink’s truck was robbed in the early morning on July 11 close to Los Angeles, stated Dana Callahan, a spokeswoman for the safety firm.
The merchandise had been loaded onto the truck late on July 10 following an exhibit hosted by the International Gem and Jewelry Show in San Mateo, south of San Francisco, stated Brandy Swanson, the group’s director. It was going to an occasion on the Pasadena Convention Center simply northeast of Los Angeles, she stated.
Swanson stated between 25 and 30 baggage had been taken, containing an unknown variety of particular person items. She stated 18 victims had been reporting greater than $100 million in losses. Callahan stated it was lower than $10 million.
“According to the information the customers provided to us before they shipped their items, the total value of the missing items is less than $10 million,” Brink’s stated in a press release. “We are working with law enforcement, and we will fully reimburse our customers for the value of their assets that were stolen, in accordance with the terms of our contract.”
Laura Eimiller, spokeswoman for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Los Angeles, stated the theft was in the desert metropolis of Lancaster in northern LA County. Eimiller stated the bureau company was working with native authorities, however she couldn’t instantly present extra information.
A dispatcher with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which patrols Lancaster, did not have information in regards to the investigation on Sunday.
Swanson stated distributors who journey between jewellery reveals usually underinsure their merchandise as a result of they can not afford to insure it absolutely.
“That’s where the discrepancy comes in. These are mom-and-pop operators,” Swanson stated. “They’re devastated. Some of these people have lost their entire livelihoods.”
The International Gem and Jewelry present hosts about 45 reveals nationwide per yr, she stated.