TOMS RIVER – Toms River Police have provided updates on the $1 million jewelry heist that occurred last week at the Ocean County Mall.
The jewelry store, Venzio Jewelers, was robbed sometime between 8 p.m. on March 27 and 10 a.m. on March 28.
In the initial report, police said the thief or thieves cut a hole in the wall of an adjacent, empty store which led to Venzio’s back office. The phone and alarm cables were cut and then a large safe was entered using what was believed to be a torch.
The merchandise stolen is valued at approximately $1 million.
Nearly one week later, police have announced a few updates on the burglary:
- 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.
- Police confirm that the suspect(s) took actions to avoid detection while inside the Venzio office. This included sprinkler heads being covered with tape and rags were placed on bottom of a door in an apparent attempt to minimize smoke exposure into the showroom.
- The alarm panel was ripped off the wall and deactivated.
Police confirmed that the suspects entered the office through the hole cut in the wall. They also confirmed a torch was used on the safe door.
In addition, police have obtained surveillance video and have identified vehicles of interest. However, the video and car descriptions will not be released at this time.
