US: String of Robberies Hits Indian-Owned Jewellery Stores In Sunnyvale And Newark

In a bold daylight robbery at a jewelry store owned by an Indian in the US, nearly 20 suspects stormed into PNG Jewellers in Sunnyvale, California, wielding sledgehammers and smashing display cases. The incident, which occurred on June 12 on El Camino Real, has gained widespread attention on social media platforms. This follows similar incidents at other Indian-owned jewelry stores, including Nitin Jewellers in Sunnyvale on May 4 and Bhindi Jewellers in Newark on May 29.

The robbers managed to loot the store within a mere two minutes and fifteen seconds, taking armfuls of jewelry while leaving behind a trail of shattered glass. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the robbery.

The suspects fled the scene in multiple vehicles, initiating a high-speed chase along Highway 101 with the police. During the pursuit, they discarded stolen jewelry from their moving vehicles.

Ultimately, five suspects—Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, and Afuhia Lavakeiaho—abandoned their vehicle and attempted to escape on foot. With the help of a police dog, officers managed to apprehend all five individuals.

This brazen robbery mirrors similar incidents at Nitin Jewelers in Sunnyvale on May 4 and Bhindi Jewelers in Newark on May 29. The shared modus operandi, involving multiple suspects using hammers to break display cases and fleeing in several cars, has raised suspicions of a possible connection among the three heists.

Captain Dzanh Le from the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety mentioned that investigators are currently looking into any potential links between the robberies.

In response to these crimes, Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein, Vice Mayor Murali Srinivasan, and officials from the Department of Public Safety met with Indian American business and community leaders at City Hall on June 14 to discuss the security situation in Sunnyvale. Authorities are maintaining vigilance as they work towards ensuring the safety of residents and businesses in the area.