A mob of masked robbers have been caught on camera raiding a jewellery store in broad daylight - before locking themselves inside and had to shoot their way out.
The gang of at least 20 thieves stole around $1million (£750,000) worth of jewellery and watches from Hellers Jewellers in San Ramon, approximately 34 miles east of San Francisco, California.
Some of the individuals used crowbars and pickaxes to break display cases, while at least two were armed with guns which they used to shoot their way out when an automatic security door locked them inside.
The extra protection feature was installed after a previous break-in in 2023 which saw a similar amount of jewellery taken.
The gang of at least 20 thieves stole around £750,000 worth of jewellery and watches | XLieutenant Mike Pistello from the San Ramon Police Department told ABC 7 News: "When they went in, they basically took over the store, taking whatever jewellery was available."
According to the Danville San Ramon, police identified at least 23 suspects - though witnesses say the number was closer to 30.
The raid lasted no longer than a minute and a half, and authorities said it was likely planned days in advance.
Six separate vehicles were used in the incident, and were parked in a valet area around 30 metres from the entrance to the store.
At least two of the individuals were armed with guns
|X
Police then chased one of the cars "in a pursuit that was in excess of 100 miles per hour", according to Police Chief Denton Carlson.
He added that the chase came to an end "due to the inherent danger to the public" after the car drove the wrong way into oncoming traffic.
Instead, a specialised drone, which was funded by a 2023 organised retail theft grant, was able to capture evidence.
Lt Pistello said: "It shows all the suspects' vehicles, as well as all the suspects leaving and entering their cars to leave."
CRIME IN AMERICA - READ MORE:
The mob used pickaxes and crowbars to break into display cases
|X
Seven suspects have since been arrested, including one youth, in two separate raids in Oakland and nearby Dublin, California.
With an age range of 17 to 31, the suspects are also believed to have been involved in similar crimes across the area.
Some of the stolen jewellery has been recovered, as well as two firearms which are thought to have been discarded during the gang's escape.
Police also said that several of the vehicles used in the incident had been reported stolen.
Lt Pistello said: "This is not their first time doing something like this.
"This is not something that happens a lot in San Ramon. We're doing out best to follow up on every lead possible."