Dramatic Jewelry Heist in Anaheim Hills: A Bold Theft Gone Wrong

In a brazen act of theft, a group of thieves executed a dramatic heist at Classic Jewelers in Anaheim Hills on Friday afternoon, January 23, 2026. Utilizing a stolen black Nissan Rogue, the suspects crashed through the front of the store, stealing an estimated $1 million in high-end jewelry. The chaotic scene unfolded in a matter of minutes and resulted in multiple car crashes during the suspects’ attempted getaway. This incident highlights the increasing boldness of jewelry thieves and raises questions regarding security in retail establishments.

The Orchestrated Break-In

The heist began around 2:30 PM when the thieves drove the stolen vehicle directly into the jewelry store located at 5753 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road. Initially, the store’s owner, Ramzy Tabello, believed the driver was experiencing a medical emergency. However, he quickly realized that a robbery was underway as masked individuals emerged from the SUV, equipped with crowbars, hammers, and trash cans. In mere moments, they smashed every showcase in sight, grabbing all available merchandise. "They smashed every showcase,” Tabello recalled, emphasizing how quickly the crime unfolded. Despite his attempt to intervene by threatening the thieves with a firearm—a gun that was soon seized by the robbers—his efforts proved futile.

The Chaos and Aftermath

After the jewelry had been hastily collected, the thieves abandoned the stolen SUV and fled the scene in two different getaway vehicles—a silver Dodge Charger and a gray Dodge Charger. In an unexpected twist, the situation escalated when an employee managed to film the suspects’ escape, capturing critical details like license plate numbers. This quick thinking contributed to the eventual identification of the suspects, showcasing the importance of vigilant staff in retail environments.

Police Pursuit and Arrests

In the immediate aftermath of the heist, Anaheim police were prompt to act. An officer noticed a vehicle matching the description of one of the getaway cars and pursued it. The chase led to a chaotic crash that involved multiple vehicles at the intersection of Lemon Street and Orangethorpe Avenue. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended along with three other passengers after a thorough search of the area, demonstrating effective police work amid the unfolding crisis.

The Additional Catch

Simultaneously, a police helicopter was deployed to locate the second getaway vehicle. Within a short time, officers spotted the car crashing into yet another set of vehicles at the intersection of Euclid Street and Malvern Avenue in Fullerton. Once again, police acted swiftly, detaining two additional suspects from the second vehicle. Notably, a firearm was recovered from this crash site, though investigators have yet to confirm if it was the same gun stolen from the jeweler during the heist. The recovery efforts also unearthed some stolen jewelry, further aiding the investigation.

Suspects Apprehended

Ultimately, law enforcement apprehended a total of eight suspects involved in the jewelry theft, with ages ranging from 17 to 24 and hailing from various areas, including Inglewood, Compton, and Los Angeles. The police team’s ability to quickly coordinate tactical responses played a pivotal role in limiting the number of accessories involved in the crime. Additionally, uninvolved motorists who were caught in the chaos of the collisions were taken to nearby hospitals, suffering from minor to moderate injuries. Remarkably, no one at Classic Jewelers was injured, a fact that brings some relief to the local community following such a violent event.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Retail Security

This shocking heist at Classic Jewelers serves as a significant wake-up call for retail establishments, particularly those dealing in valuable goods like jewelry. The rapid unfolding of events, from theft to car crashes, underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures in stores. Increasing awareness and implementing advanced security systems can aid not only in preventing such crimes but also in safeguarding both staff and customers. As law enforcement continues investigations and the legal process begins for the apprehended suspects, the focus should shift towards preventative strategies to reduce the likelihood of similar high-stakes robberies in the future.