Thieves Smash N.J. Jewelry Store Windows with Sledgehammers in Brazen Robbery

Shocking security footage shows the burglars stealing $1 million in gold jewelry in broad daylight

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:58pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass from a jewelry display case, the harsh flash illuminating the jagged edges and creating a stark, gritty mood that conceptually represents the violence of the robbery.The violent smash-and-grab robbery at a New Jersey jewelry store exposes the vulnerability of small businesses to brazen criminal acts.Perth Amboy Today

Surveillance video captured a group of thieves using sledgehammers to quickly smash the windows of a family-owned jewelry store in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, before stealing over $1 million worth of gold jewelry as the owners tried to intervene.

Why it matters

The brazen daylight robbery has left the small business owners devastated, as they did not have insurance to cover the massive loss. The incident has also raised concerns about security and police response times in the downtown Perth Amboy area.

The details

In the video, several suspects can be seen using sledgehammers to shatter the storefront windows of SD Jewelry in a matter of seconds. The owners, Stephanie Duran and her mother, tried to stop the thieves but were held back. The suspects then quickly swiped up gold chains and other jewelry, filling bags before fleeing the scene. Police pursued the getaway vehicle, believed to be a BMW, but the suspects escaped.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in broad daylight.
  • Police say the burglars were in and out of the store within seconds.

The players

SD Jewelry

A family-owned jewelry store located in downtown Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

Stephanie Duran

The co-owner of SD Jewelry who tried to stop the thieves from escaping.

Perla Ceballos

A family member of the jewelry store owners who spoke about the incident.

Perth Amboy Police

The local law enforcement agency investigating the robbery and pursuing the suspects.

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What they’re saying

“They broke the glass. They came in, you know, they broke everything, and their main concern was to grab all the gold that they could.”

— Perla Ceballos, Family member of jewelry store owners

“In Spanish, her mom said what's important now is that they're both alive.”

— Perla Ceballos, Family member of jewelry store owners

What’s next

Police are still investigating the incident and are asking anyone with information to come forward. They are also reviewing the security footage to try and identify the suspects.

The takeaway

This brazen daylight robbery has left the small business owners devastated and raised concerns about security and police response times in the downtown Perth Amboy area. It highlights the vulnerability of local shops and the need for improved measures to protect businesses from such violent crimes.