Nearly 20 masked thieves orchestrated a smash-and-grab robbery at PNG Jewelers in Sunnyvale, California, on June 12, making off with unknown valuables in under three minutes before a police chase led to five arrests.

The daylight heist, which took place in broad daylight at 1:27 p.m., saw the thieves use hammers and other tools to smash display cases while donning masks and hoodies to conceal their identities. Surveillance footage captured the chaos inside the store, and a police pursuit on Highway 101 resulted in the capture of five suspects. They now face multiple felony charges including armed robbery and burglary, though the total value of the stolen items remains unknown.

The robbers targeted PNG Jewelers, a popular jewelry store located in Sunnyvale, California. The incident unfolded in a matter of minutes, with the thieves striking at approximately 1:27 p.m. and completing their heist well within three minutes. Speed and precision appeared to be the hallmark of this brazen burglary.

Equipped with hammers and other breaking tools, the suspects wasted no time in shattering display cases and gathering as much jewelry as they could. To evade immediate identification and arrest, the criminals wore masks and hoodies, making it challenging for witnesses and surveillance cameras to capture clear images of their faces.

Despite the violence of the smash-and-grab raid, no injuries were reported among employees or customers at PNG Jewelers. The swift actions of the thieves seemed aimed primarily at property damage and theft rather than causing physical harm.

Surveillance video from inside the store depicts the chaotic scene: display cases being forcefully destroyed and jewelry items quickly snatched by the masked individuals. This footage has been handed over to law enforcement as part of the ongoing investigation.

In a rapid response, authorities identified two suspect vehicles speeding away from the scene. A high-speed chase ensued on Highway 101, attracting the attention of multiple police units. One of the suspect vehicles was eventually located, and the occupants abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.

Their effort to evade capture proved unsuccessful. Law enforcement officers were able to apprehend five individuals connected to the robbery. These suspects have since been charged with a slew of offences including armed robbery, felony vehicle evasion, resisting arrest, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, and vandalism.

While a fraction of the suspects are in custody, the investigation remains active as authorities work to identify and locate the remaining thieves. The total value of the stolen jewelry is still undetermined, adding complexity to the case as the exact loss to PNG Jewelers continues to be assessed.

Residents of Sunnyvale and local business owners are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that may help in apprehending the remaining suspects. Community cooperation is considered vital for the swift and successful resolution of the case.

The incident has raised concerns about the security measures in place at high-value retail stores, prompting discussions on how such establishments can better protect themselves against increasingly bold criminal activities. In the wake of the robbery, enhanced security protocols may be considered by other businesses to prevent similar occurrences.