News March 23, 2022
Beverly Hills Jeweler Fights Off Burglars Who Robbed Store Next Door

A jeweler in Beverly Hills, California, sprang into action after the store next to his was allegedly robbed by at least five suspects.
As reported by KABC, the alleged smash-and-grab occurred Tuesday just before 2 p.m. at Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills, on the corner of South Beverly Drive and Charleville Boulevard.
Police say a group of about five suspects armed with what appeared to be sledgehammers broke the front window of the store and got away with several items.
Authorities add that the group arrived in a stolen car but left it behind and then fled in an unknown vehicle.
Police believe all the suspects were men, and say they were wearing hooded sweatshirts, sweatpants, and “surgical-style masks.”
However, per a video obtained by the Beverly Hills Courier, a man identified as Wesley Aframian — who works at the jewelry shop next to Luxury Jewels — attempted to fight off the alleged thieves.
Per the outlet, he was able to recover some of the watches that were stolen.
Breaking: Wesley Aframian, a jeweler next door to Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills, fights off “smash-and-grab” burglars as they make off with jewelry. He says he was able to recover some watches in the process.
— The Beverly Hills Courier (@BHCourier) March 22, 2022 @BHCourier
Courtesy of Ashley Aframian. pic.twitter.com/UYbFxkUv8I
While speaking to KABC, Aframian recounted the incident, saying, “I look outside, I see there are five guys with sledgehammers, axes, hammers, they’re banging on the window. And you know, we’re a jewelry store, they’re a jewelry store. We’re good friends with them. They’re very good people. I just reacted and tried to stop them.”
He continued, “I [gave] one a nice kick, he lost his balance, he was falling over, and he started running. I pushed him on the street. He dropped a couple of the watches I was able to recover.”
The owners of the rummaged shop told KABC that the alleged robbers got away with between $3 million to $5 million worth of jewelry — with one necklace costing nearly $500,000.
In a statement obtained by KABC, the office of Beverly Hills Police Chief Stainbrook said, “Chief Stainbrook understands the community frustration regarding the crime that happened today at 203 South Beverly Drive. The Chief is willing to discuss with any person or group the reality of the current regional crime situation.”
The message adds that the Beverly Hills Police Department will be “adding a camera trailer, extra security patrols, and extra special watch from officers to South Beverly Dr.”
“The Beverly Hills Police Department continues to hire new officers and engage new technologies to keep the City safe. The City and Department also need the help of the District Attorney’s Office and our State Legislators.”
Anyone with information about the suspects is urged to contact police amid their ongoing investigation.
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