Los Angeles Times

Jewelers victimized in Brink’s heist describe devastation: ‘I was torn apart’

LOS ANGELES — The jewelry industry isn’t as glitzy as it seems, especially for those on the trade show circuit. These jewelers travel from city to city, selling their wares to wholesalers and shoppers at convention centers crowded with booths under harsh light. It was after one such expo in San Mateo, California, when 14 of these companies were victimized in the heist of a Brink’s big rig at a ...
The Flying J Travel Center, just west of the 5 freeway in Lebec, California, was the site of a Brink's truck jewelry heist last month.

LOS ANGELES — The jewelry industry isn’t as glitzy as it seems, especially for those on the trade show circuit.

These jewelers travel from city to city, selling their wares to wholesalers and shoppers at convention centers crowded with booths under harsh light.

It was after one such expo in San Mateo, California, when 14 of these companies were victimized in the heist of a Brink’s big rig at a Grapevine truck stop on July 11. The high-profile crime at the Flying J Travel Center — which could be among the biggest jewelry thefts ever — has spotlighted their close-knit world.

In interviews with the Los Angeles Times, jewelers described a business built on handshake deals, generous favors and well-earned trust. It’s work that hinges on artful salesmanship and requires long days competing for customers — but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among jewelers who have made it a way of life. Now, however, the heist has upended this tightknit community, decimating the 14 companies whose merchandise was stolen in Lebec while en route to the L.A. area for another trade show. The size of the haul is in dispute, with estimates ranging from less than $10 million to more than $100

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times5 min read
Climate Change Is Central To Both Pope Francis And California Gov. Newsom. But Do Catholic Voters Care?
ROME — Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's speech on climate change at the Vatican this week gives him an opportunity to align himself and his party with Pope Francis, an influential figure among American Catholics and a leader in the fight against global
Los Angeles Times2 min readCrime & Violence
In Effort To 'Regain Public Trust,' LA County Announces 66 Probation Officers Put On Leave
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Probation Department has announced that 66 officers have been put on administrative leave this year in a series of cases that include allegations of sexual misconduct and the use of excessive force. The announcem
Los Angeles Times4 min read
Doyle McManus: A Lesson From Presidents Biden And Trump — The New Normal Is Nonstop Crises
A poll published by the Economist this month included a finding that was striking yet unsurprising: Almost 7 in 10 Americans believe things in the country have spun out of control. That's a problem for President Joe Biden, who campaigned in 2020 offe

Related