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In a brazen daylight robbery, a group of 20 thieves targeted an outlet of Pune-based PNG Jewellers in California, looting a significant amount of jewellery.

CCTV footage shows a large group of masked individuals storming the store in the Sunnyvale area before fleeing in multiple vehicles, wielding sledgehammers and shattering display cases. The heist was executed within minutes.

The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the robbery occurred at approximately 1:27 pm on June 12 (local time).

“The suspects fled the store in multiple vehicles before officers arrived on the scene. Officers located two suspect vehicles attempting to flee the area. Officers attempted vehicle enforcement stops, but both vehicles evaded, leading to pursuits,” the police statement said.

While tracking one of the vehicles, the suspects discarded stolen jewellery from the moving vehicle. Later, the suspects abandoned the vehicle on a highway, and five of them attempted to flee on foot.

However, all five were apprehended by the police and charged with various offences, including armed robbery, felony vehicle evasion, resisting arrest, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism, possession of burglary tools, and outstanding warrants.

Some of the stolen jewellery has been recovered. The total value of the stolen jewellery remains unknown at this time.

“This incident remains under investigation. Investigators are trying to determine if this incident is related to the robbery of a jewellery store in Sunnyvale that occurred in May involving multiple suspects,” the official added.

Following the incident, authorities in California held a meeting on Friday with members of the Indian-American community and promised stern action on the matter.