Surveillance footage has shown a group of suspected thieves escaping from a jewelry store in Texas following what an expert described as a “mob-style” theft.
Police were alerted at approximately 12:47 p.m. on Tuesday regarding a robbery in progress at Mark Robinson Jewelers, located in the Round Rock Premium Outlets, an outdoor mall not far from Austin.
According to store employees, the suspects armed themselves with hammers, smashed glass display cases, and began seizing jewelry.
Employees also reported that the robbers used pepper spray on both staff and customers before making off with a substantial amount of stolen jewelry.
Following the incident, video footage captured the group fleeing the scene, all of them wearing masks and gloves.
In the aftermath, police discovered a blue Hyundai Sonata, believed to be the suspects’ getaway vehicle, parked at a nearby apartment complex. This car was reported stolen from the Humble area of Texas and has been taken for processing as the investigation continues.
Timothy Zehring, executive director of the International Freedom from Crime Association, characterized the theft as a “mob-like execution,” noting that typically, a group of 10 to 30 masked individuals can overwhelm a store, causing significant loss within just a minute. He pointed out that rising gold prices make such crimes particularly appealing.
Zehring suggested that implementing a comprehensive security strategy could help deter such incidents. He mentioned that methods like installing bollards, using shatter-resistant glass, and applying security film over existing glass could make it more difficult for thieves to succeed.
Anyone with any information about the robbery is encouraged to contact Detective Dwayne Riley at (512) 218-6619.
