Seattle police are on the hunt for a group of brazen thieves who stole an estimated $2 million worth of jewelry from a family-owned West Seattle store in a smash-and-grab robbery Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Seattle Police Department, the suspects arrived at Menashe & Sons Jewelers, a long-standing business located in the 4500 block of California Avenue Southwest, armed with hammers and bear spray. Police said the group shattered windows and display cases in a matter of moments, targeting high-value pieces before making their escape.
The thieves reportedly sprayed the bear deterrent to keep anyone from intervening, creating a scene of chaos inside the store. “They came in ready to do damage, and they knew exactly what they wanted,” a police spokesperson explained, adding that the method suggested planning rather than a crime of opportunity.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspects ran to a waiting vehicle parked nearby. By the time officers arrived, the robbers were gone, leaving behind broken glass, empty cases, and the lingering chemical odor from the spray.
SPD said detectives are processing the crime scene and reviewing security footage from the store and nearby businesses. They are also working to identify the getaway vehicle, though no description has been released yet.
Menashe & Sons, a fixture in the West Seattle community for decades, has faced attempted burglaries in the past, but police described Wednesday’s theft as “one of the largest and most aggressive” in recent years.
As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made. The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Seattle police.
