Surrey, B.C., jewelry store heist caught on camera
Surrey RCMP investigating break-in at White Rock Jewellers
A family that owns a jewelry store in Surrey says they've suffered losses worth around $150,000 after a group of intruders ransacked their shop Monday.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the crime at White Rock Jewellers, which was captured on surveillance video.
That video shows four people, their heads and faces obscured, enter the shop through the security shutters.
They then immediately go to work smashing showcases with hammers and crowbars and stuffing the displayed items into bags.
Within about two minutes, the burglars are gone.
Owner Cuong Nguyen estimated in that short amount of time, they took $100,000 worth of items and inflicted $50,000 worth of damage to the shop, leaving the family with a terrible mess to clean up.
"It's terrible, the first time we see that," Nguyen said. "Broke in the door, broke in all the showcases, broke in all the windows.
"We [are] feeling [unsafe] to do business … And we get scared. We get scared."
Nguyen says the thieves made off with items like rings, bracelets, and pendants.
Surrey RCMP spokesperson Cpl. James Mason said police were called about the break-in around 4:20 a.m. Monday.
He said they raced down there with a dog team but the suspects had already fled, reportedly in a dark SUV.
"In this instance it's a fairly brazen break and enter. The suspects clearly just took their time and went about their business throughout there," Mason said.
"Being able to review the video, and see how … calm they are, and they had a plan."
Nguyen's son told CBC News the store didn't have insurance. He said they tried to get insured but couldn't meet the requirements insurers put before them.
Mounties say they are looking for any witnesses or anyone with more video to speak with them.