Four suspects who targeted the Eastridge Mall in a smash-and-grab robbery are now being searched by the San Jose police.
At around 2:50 in the afternoon, four masked thieves broke into the Quick Service Jewelry Design store in the said mall, officers who investigate the crime said. The four used hammers to smash the display.
They took away several merchandises whose amount is yet to be determined by the establishment, police said.
The thieves were last seen escaping on foot, heading towards the parking space before the police came.
The incident has injured no one, KPIX reported.
In another report, The Mercury News said the Bay Area has been targeted by organized retail thefts recently, pushing its officials to unveil new measures to combat the increase in thefts as more people are expected to hit the malls this holiday season.
Late last month, Macy’s Women’s and Children’s department store at Westfield Valley Fair Mall in San Jose lost $2, 000 worth of its items to thieves.
Suspects from the case involved a 19-year-old Hayward man, and another 22-year-old man from Antioch, the police said. They were recognized by workers on the business establishments as the suspects behind a theft in a sunglasses shop on Sunday.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, Assistant Police Chief Paul Joseph, as well as Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen appeared in a press conference in front of the Oakridge mall, assuring that shopping in this season will be safe for them.
“We know this time of year is essential for so many small businesses and retailers that have been struggling highly through the pandemic that depend on shoppers that come out this time of year during the holidays,” Liccardo said. “We want to ensure that everyone knows that we’re doing everything necessary to deter and address the crime that’s occurring throughout the state of California and several retail centers.”
