Jewelry and gems worth millions of dollars were stolen during an armored truck robbery in Southern California, last week.
The authorities revealed on Sunday that the Brink’s truck was robbed in broad daylight near Los Angeles on July 11.
According to Dana Callahan, a spokeswoman for the security company, Brandy Swanson, the group’s director, revealed that the truck was loaded by the merchandise on July 10 after the International Gem and Jewelry Show hosted an exhibit in San Mateo, south of San Francisco.
She also added that it was going to an event at the Pasadena Convention Center just northeast of Los Angeles when the robbery took place.
Moreover, Swanson reported that between 25 and 30 bags were stolen by the suspects. The bags reportedly contained an unknown number of individual pieces.
Following the robbery, 18 victims were reporting more than $100 million in losses. However, Callahan debunked the claims and argued that it was less 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. 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.” Brink’s said in an official statement.
Furthermore, spokeswoman for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Los Angeles, Laura Eimiller revealed that the robbery specifically took place in the desert city of Lancaster in northern LA County.
She also added that the bureau agency is currently working with local authorities to investigate the matter and claimed that she could not immediately provide more information.
On Sunday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department dispatcher didn’t provide further information about the investigation.
According to Swanson, the vendors who travel between jewelry shows “typically underinsured their merchandise because they can’t afford to insure it fully.”
“That’s where the discrepancy comes in. These are mom-and-pop operators. They’re devastated. Some of these people have lost their entire livelihoods.” Swanson added.
She also said that the International Gem and Jewelry show has been hosting about 45 shows nationwide per year.
