The incident took place in the northern region of Los Angeles County on the morning of July 11 when the jewelry was being transported in a Brink's armored vehicle from a trade fair held in San Mateo on July 10, near the Bay Area, to Pasadena.
A spokesperson for Brink's Foods told multiple media outlets that the incident took place, however she didn't go into details about the incident.
The exact amount taken away or if anyone was hurt in the heist hasn't been established.
The private security firm estimates that less than 10 million dollars was taken. One victim reported to the New York Times that an estimated $20-$50 million was taken.
A third victim also said to CBS Los Angeles that he believes that up to $150 million worth of jewelry was taken. The report noted that the jewelry stolen was owned by 18 jewelers at The International Gem and Jewelry Show.
Many diamond and gold necklaces are among those that are believed to have been stolen, The Times said.
A spokeswoman for the FBI confirmed to the Times they're in contact with local officials, but she did not offer any additional details.
In a statement sent to the media, Brink's announced the following about the incident, according to KPIX:
This week, an incident involving a vehicle belonging to Brink's was discovered close to the city of Los Angeles. According to the data that customers provided us prior to when they delivered their goods in the first place, the total value of the items missing is less than 10 million dollars. We are in contact with law enforcement agencies, and will completely pay our customers back any value they incurred from their belongings which were stolen according to the provisions in our agreement.
The person who spoke to the Times is not convinced by Brink's claims to be “transparent” over the “basic questions” concerning the incident concerning the loss of property.
The vendors at the trade show are shocked by the loss, since many have been building their inventory for more than 40 years.
Brandy Swanson, a manager for the International Gem and Jewelry Show She said to CBS Los Angeles that “[i]t's their entire life. A few of them are done with their lives at this stage.”
“My life. This is how I live and it's what I feed my children. I have children below 13 years old.” said the victim, who spoke with CBS Los Angeles, noting the source of his income is travel trade shows.
“Sunday you had merchandise. Today there's nothing.”
