In what authorities describe as a “smash-and-grab” heist, four masked suspects made off with approximately $2 million in luxury jewelry from Menashe & Sons Jewelers in West Seattle, executing the robbery in just about 90 seconds on Thursday at midday.
At around 12:00 p.m., the robbers struck. Surveillance footage captured the suspects using hammers and axes to break through the store’s locked front door—typically secured and buzz-in only during business hours—and then swiftly smashed six display cases. Among the stolen items were Rolex watches valued at roughly $750,000, an emerald necklace worth $125,000, platinum diamond pieces, gold jewelry, and other high-value items.
One of the suspects brandished bear spray and a Taser, threatening employees as others filled bags with stolen goods. Despite the aggression, no injuries were reported.
By the time police arrived, the perpetrators had already fled in a getaway vehicle and evaded initial searches. The Seattle Police Department’s Robbery Unit, along with crime scene and video teams, responded swiftly and began processing the scene. Officials are urging anyone with information to contact the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000, noting that anonymous tips are welcome.
Staff at Menashe & Sons are deeply shaken. Josh Menashe, the store’s co‑owner, expressed that the business would remain closed for a time while cleaning and loss inventory are completed.
Meanwhile, neighbors and local businesses rallied around the store. Employees from a nearby gym provided refuge to staff fleeing the robbery. “Employees escaped out the back and ran to our gym,” said Industrious Gym manager Matthew Strommen.
At a safety meeting later that evening, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes reassured the business community: “We are going to do everything in our power to bring these people to justice.” Barnes, whose roots are in a family of small-business operators, said the loss hit close to home.
Notably, just one day before, Seattle officers had thwarted another attempted jewelry store break-in downtown at Ben Bridge. Although it’s still under investigation whether there’s any link between the two incidents, police continue gathering evidence.
