$600,000 In Jewelry, Valuables Stolen From Hercules Home
HERCULES (CBS 5) – Authorities are searching for burglars who stole more than half a million dollars worth of diamonds, cash and other valuables from a home in an upscale Hercules neighborhood.
Ishwarlal Rajput told CBS 5 that he noticed something was amiss when he arrived home on the evening of August 20th.
"As soon as I came here, I saw my closet light is on and the door is open. What happened?" Rajput recalled. "And then I said, what happened to my safe? It was right here, but it was up, and the door was open."
Rajput said the burglars didn't touch anything else in the home and went directly for the safe where his family's valuables were held.
According to Hercules Police, the thieves entered the home on the 1100 block of North Shelter Bay through a downstairs window. The theft occurred sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Rajput said only a few outsiders, crews working on his home, knew he had a safe.
Thieves stole more than $600,000 in 22-karat gold ceremonial Indian jewelry, police said. Diamonds, coins, precious metals and $7,000 in cash were also stolen.
According to Rajput, 589 items were stolen from his safe, including a necklace a husband gives to his wife at the time of their wedding.
The loss is staggering to Rajput, a motel owner. He said his wife has cried everyday since the burglary. "How do we survive now?" Rajput said.
Hercules Police told CBS 5 they have checked pawn shops in four counties for the distinctly Indian jewelry, but have no strong leads.
Police said the family has offered a reward for the return of the stolen property and information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thieves.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 510-799-TALK (8255).
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