A jewelry store in Los Angeles’ Downtown District was burglarized this week, with suspects gaining entry through a tunnel drilled from an adjacent building. The store, Love Jewels, located on Broadway in the city’s jewelry quarter, reported the theft of merchandise valued between $10 million and $20 million.
Entry Gained Through Tunneling
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the burglary took place around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Investigators said the suspects broke through several layers of concrete from a neighboring property. Security footage reviewed by the LAPD showed the suspects entering the store through the hole created in the wall. Officer David Cuellar confirmed that the perpetrators exited via the same tunnel and fled the scene in a late-model Chevrolet truck. The incident was discovered the next morning by staff.
“They tunneled through multiple levels of concrete into the target location,” Cuellar said Tuesday.
Estimated Losses and Security Failures
The stolen items included watches, pendants, gold chains, and other merchandise. The LAPD estimated the loss at $10 million, while the store owner told media outlets the total could exceed $20 million. It was confirmed that Love Jewels did not have insurance coverage for the stolen inventory.
Two safes containing merchandise were broken into, and display cases had been disturbed. The store’s security system had been disabled, with camera feeds cut and no alarm triggered. Additional items, including discarded packaging and a broken scotch bottle, were found at the scene.
Video obtained by a local news channel showed the sound of a drill being used and evidence that the robbers shut down the store’s security system by cutting the wires.
Investigation Ongoing
The LAPD stated that forensic teams were examining the site for fingerprints and DNA evidence. The department has not confirmed how many individuals were involved, and no arrests have been made.
Detectives examined the scene for fingerprints and DNA, police said.
Industry Implications
The incident highlights potential security risks for jewelers operating in densely built commercial areas with shared walls. The use of tunneling and deliberate disruption of surveillance systems indicates the burglary was premeditated and involved knowledge of the store’s layout and surrounding structure.
Police are continuing their investigation and are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.
