A violent smash-and-grab robbery at Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento, California, resulted in the tragic death of the store owner’s wife on November 15. The store, located in Little Vietnam Plaza, has been a community fixture for over 30 years.
What Happened?
According to local authorities, a firefight broke out during the robbery. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office suspects the store owner exchanged gunfire with the robbers, but it remains unclear who fired the fatal shot. Police are searching for four to six men who fled in two separate vehicles.
Rising Concerns Over Jewelry-Related Crimes
This marks the third homicide tied to a jewelry-related crime in 2024, according to Jennifer Mulvihill, head of the Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA). Similar incidents this year include:
- October: A Michigan jeweler was killed during a home invasion.
- July: A Florida jeweler was shot during an argument with a customer.
The last time more than two jewelry-related homicides occurred in a single year was in 2017.
Smash-and-Grab Trends in California
While smash-and-grab incidents in California have decreased, with 23 cases reported so far this year compared to 61 during the same period in 2023, they remain a persistent threat to jewelers.
Safety Recommendations
The JSA urges jewelers and their staff to avoid resisting during robberies. Additional crime prevention tips are available on the JSA website.
Anyone with information about the Sacramento robbery is encouraged to contact:
- Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office: 916-874-5115
- Jewelers Security Alliance: 800-537-0067 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org
“Our sincere condolences go out to the victims,” said Mulvihill.