Great Mall, Modesto jewelry robberies may be related

MILPITAS » Authorities are investigating a possible link between a smash-and-grab robbery at the Great Mall of the Bay Area in Milpitas and a similar crime in Modesto on Sunday.

About 7:35 p.m. Milpitas officers were dispatched to Valliani Jewelers, where three assailants smashed display cases and stole an unspecified amount of jewelry, Lt. John Torrez said in a news release.

A similar incident occurred earlier that day at Valliani Jewelers at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto.

“At this time, it is unknown if the suspects from the two incidents are the same,” Torrez said, “but the Milpitas Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects involved in the theft at the Valliani Jewelers located at the Great Mall.”

Authorities released security camera images and descriptions of the three assailants.

The assailants are described as black men and all three were last seen wearing black hooded sweatshirts with “U. S. Polo Assn.” spelled out in white letters on the right sleeve. In addition, one was wearing red shorts, white socks and red shoes; the second a white undershirt , light- blue shorts with small designs on them, and white and black shoes; and the third a white undershirt, faded light- colored jeans, and white and black shoes.

Torrez said the assailants escaped in a black fourdoor car.

Great Mall patrons mistook the sound of display cases being broken for gunshots and ran. Police evacuated the mall “in the abundance of caution” but found no evidence of a shooting.

Anyone with information about the robberies can call the Milpitas Police Department at 408-586-2400. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at 408586- 2500 or ci. milpitas. ca. gov/crimetip.