Sophisticated Heist at Ocean County Mall: Over $1 Million in Jewelry Stolen
TOMS RIVER, NJ – In a brazen burglary at Venzio Jewelers within the Ocean County Mall, thieves made off with approximately $1 million in jewelry.
So far, no suspects have been identified, and police have announced they are investigating a vehicle that may have been tied to the incident.
The incident occurred between the evening of March 27 and the morning of March 28, with the culprits entering through a neighboring vacant store, avoiding detection by covering sprinkler heads and minimizing smoke exposure.
There was no evidence of forced entry at the scene. The thieves meticulously cut through a wall to access Venzio’s office, deactivated the alarm, and used a torch to breach a safe. Despite these efforts, authorities have obtained surveillance footage and identified vehicles of interest related to the burglary, details of which remain confidential.
Police released an update on the matter this week:
- There were no pry marks or evidence of forced entry into the vacant adjacent store rear door. This door leads directly to the exterior of the mall. Initial investigating officers observed the door to be closed but unlocked.
- Entry was made into the Venzio office by cutting a hole through a wall separating the jewelry store and vacant store.
- Police confirm that the suspect(s) took actions to avoid detection while inside the Venzio office. Sprinkler heads were covered with tape and rags were placed on bottom of door in an apparent attempt to minimize smoke exposure into the showroom.
- The alarm panel was ripped off the wall and deactivated.
- A door of the safe was compromised apparently by using a torch.
- After doing a canvass of the area, police have obtained surveillance video. This video will not be released at this time.
- The police have identified vehicles of interest. These vehicle descriptions will not be released at this time.
- The Toms River Police Department will not be doing any in person press interviews about the burglary at this time.
The Toms River Police Department, which has refrained from releasing the video or conducting press interviews, responded to the break-in after business representatives reported it.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department C.S.I thoroughly examined the crime scene. Division. As the investigation continues, the lack of forced entry and the sophisticated methods employed by the suspects highlight the premeditated nature of this crime.