Jewelry Store Owner Considers Leaving LA After Burglary

Co-owner Touraj Nezafati says his family may relocate after latest in string of crimes targeting their business.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A California jewelry store owner said his family may leave Los Angeles after 30 years following a roof break-in at their business, the latest in a string of crimes that have left them fearing for their safety. Surveillance video shows a man entering the store through the roof and escaping with an estimated $100,000 worth of precious jewels in less than 10 minutes. The family has experienced multiple burglaries and home invasions, leaving them scared to even go outside.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing concerns over crime and safety in the Los Angeles area, which has seen a rise in property crimes and burglaries in recent years. The Nezafati family's decision to potentially leave their long-time business and community reflects the broader challenges facing small business owners and residents grappling with these issues.

The details

The burglary occurred around 2:30 a.m. on a Saturday at Nafiseh Jeweler on Ventura Boulevard. The suspect covered the outside cameras and seemed to know exactly how to get in and where to look. He entered through the roof, then crawled to the end of the store where there was a second floor, and jumped down from there with the stolen jewels worth an estimated $100,000.

  • The burglary occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The business was first burglarized six months earlier.

The players

Touraj Nezafati

The co-owner of Nafiseh Jeweler, a family-owned jewelry store in Los Angeles that has been targeted by burglars multiple times.

Nafiseh Jeweler

A family-owned jewelry store in Los Angeles that has been the target of multiple burglaries and break-ins, leading the owners to consider relocating their business.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's time to go from LA. LA has changed.”

— Touraj Nezafati, Co-owner of Nafiseh Jeweler (Fox 11 Los Angeles)

“We're even scared to go outside from the jewelry store to home. We're always scared. What if we get robbed on the way? What if somebody puts a gun on our head and says, 'Go back to the store and open the safe?'”

— Touraj Nezafati, Co-owner of Nafiseh Jeweler (Fox 11 Los Angeles)

What’s next

The Nezafati family is now considering closing their jewelry store permanently or relocating to Orange County due to the ongoing safety concerns.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing challenges facing small business owners in Los Angeles, where a rise in property crimes and burglaries has left many feeling unsafe and considering leaving the city they've called home for decades. The Nezafati family's story reflects the broader impact of these issues on local communities and the difficult decisions business owners may have to make to protect themselves and their livelihoods.