Theft Ring Steals Gems Valued at $2 Million in S.F.
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SAN FRANCISCO — A highly disciplined ring of Colombian jewel thieves apparently has struck again, netting $2 million in gems, gold and black pearls in a Chinatown heist, police said Tuesday.
The lightning-like robbery fits the pattern of a gang that has struck dozens of times in California in recent years.
The Chinatown attack occurred in broad daylight Monday , said San Francisco police Inspector Robert Paco.
The victim, a salesman from New York, had spent about two hours in the Chinatown jewelry shop Jade Galore showing his wares. Four or five Hispanic males were sitting in a bus shelter outside.
“When he emerged, they got him from behind, pushed him down, got his suitcase and got into a vehicle before the salesman could get up,” Paco said.
Los Angeles police Det. Michael Woodings, a member of the statewide task force tracking the ring, estimated its total take last year at more than $20 million--and said the thieves are branching out to hit bank customers making large withdrawals.
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