Surveillance Video Released Shows Four Masked Suspects Smashing Clovis Kay Jewelers

Four masked suspects crashed into the Kay Jewelers near Herndon and Sunnyside and used sledgehammers to smash multiple glass display cases just before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, in a robbery that unfolded in under two minutes. Employees and customers inside the store ran for cover; no injuries were reported.

Clovis Police released surveillance video and said detectives are reviewing footage from inside the store, neighboring businesses, the shopping center parking lot, surrounding intersections and Clovis Police cameras. “The video shows two of the suspects smashing the glass cases while the other two suspects grabbed the jewelry within a matter of two minutes,” investigators reported. Two suspects wielded large sledgehammers while the other two collected items from the broken cases before the group fled in a silver vehicle.

Officers later located an abandoned stolen getaway car in a nearby neighborhood that is being processed for evidence. Responding officers conducted an initial investigation before detectives took over the case. The store is completing an inventory to determine how many pieces of jewelry were stolen; the total number and dollar value remain unknown.

The swift, brazen nature of the smash-and-grab and use of a stolen vehicle underline concerns among local shoppers and merchants about retail theft and security. One Clovis shopper said, “It kind of puts me on alarm and if I have to put an alarm on my vehicle, I have to put an alarm on my house. I mean, that's what it's going do to a lot of the neighbors around here put us on more alarm or more alert.” For small retailers in Fresno County the immediate impacts are concrete: possible inventory losses, store downtime while inventory and repairs are completed, and likely higher security and insurance costs in coming months.

Detectives are examining whether this robbery is connected to similar smash-and-grab incidents reported across California, though no link has been confirmed. Investigators continue to seek leads and urged anyone with information to come forward. “Anyone with information is asked to contact Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP or the Clovis Police Crime Tip Line at (559) 324-2459. The case number is 26-10215.”

For residents who shop along the Herndon-Sunnyside corridor, the episode is a reminder to remain aware of surroundings and to report suspicious activity. Police say the investigation is ongoing; further details on suspects, recovered property and any charges will be released as they become available.