Robber armed with sledgehammer robs high-end consignment store

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Four people use sledgehammers to destroy display cases at Lovell’s Luxury Consignment in Walnut CreekMass escape in Acura TLX with luxury wallets and jewelryWalnut Creek police are investigating.

Walnut Creek, California – A high-end consignment store in Walnut Creek was robbed Thursday afternoon by a robber armed with a sledgehammer.

Surveillance camera video captured the robbers running toward the Labels Luxury Consignment store in downtown Walnut Creek on North Main Street shortly before 5 p.m. The store is located a few blocks from the Walnut Creek Police Department.

That didn’t deter the robbers, who were caught about 30 seconds after arriving smashing the display case with a sledgehammer and making off with wallets and jewelry, witnesses told KTVU.

The video shows one of the suspects dropping his wallet while fleeing and the store owner picking up the stolen items.

“There’s a lot of high-end stuff here, big brands, Chanel, Gucci, so unfortunately that might be what they’re after,” said Stephanie, office manager at nearby Walnut Creek Aesthetics.・Mr. Decker says. It’s located down the street from Lovell’s.

“It’s sad because it’s a beautiful place, but it’s happened a few times. I hope it stops,” Decker said.

Label owners and employees chased the thieves on foot. The employee was also able to open the back door of the silver Acura TLX vehicle before the thieves drove off.

Walnut Creek police officers arrived within two minutes, but the robbers were long gone, all wearing sweatshirts, gloves and face coverings.

Police said one employee suffered minor injuries from broken glass.

“I think something has to change, that’s what’s going through my mind. I don’t know exactly what,” said Tamara Bartlett, co-owner of Lovell’s clothing store across the street. said.

“It’s a scary thing to watch as a business owner, especially knowing that your wife and employees are here and you’re not,” added husband and co-owner Jonathan Bartlett.

The Bartletts own the women’s clothing and shoe store Delishau’s and serve on the board of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce.

“If something doesn’t change soon, I think we’re going to see empty streets and empty storefronts,” Tamara said.

“There’s no one in these businesses that’s really in a position to protect themselves. We’re not that kind of community. So we’re really living according to people’s better nature.” Jonathan said.

Henry Lee is a crime reporter for KTVU. Email Henry at Henry.Lee@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @henrykleeKTVU and www.facebook.com/henrykleefan.

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