Jewelry Store Burglarized of Millions of Dollars Worth of Jewels NR11092kr

Los Angeles.  Central Area detectives are asking for the publics help in identifying two masked gunmen who burglarized a downtown jewelry store, making off with a multi-million-dollar haul.

On Feb. 19, 2011, between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., a pair of burglars broke into a building in the 600 block of South Broadway and tunneled their way into a jewelry store. Once inside, the suspects went through the store, methodically emptying the display cases of high- quality jewelry.

Video images of the suspects indicate they were men wearing masks, gloves and carrying backpacks. Anyone who recognizes the suspects or their voices is asked to contact investigators.

It appears the suspects may have had knowledge of the building and were able to successfully tunnel in to the specific jewelry store. Detectives believe the estimated value of the take was in excess of $3 million.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Area Burglary Detective Michael Mazzacano at 213-972-1231.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters can also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.