Citrus Heights detectives are hunting a smash-and-grab crew that broke into a thrift shop and stole about $50,000 in gold and silver jewelry. Surveillance stills show at least three men rifling through display cases before fleeing in an SUV. Investigators hope the images will help neighbors or dash-cam footage identify the suspects.
According to the Sacramento Bee, the break-in occurred around 4:45 a.m. on July 6 at WhatsUpstairs Thrift & Antiques on the 7100 block of Auburn Boulevard, reportedly stealing about $50,000 in gold and silver jewelry. Surveillance video shows one man using a hammer to smash the front door and display cases while additional suspects enter the store. Detectives released still images from the footage to request tips.
The Auburn Boulevard store has been targeted before. The co-owner said the shop suffered two major jewelry burglaries earlier this summer, and nearby merchants say poor lighting and maintenance make fast smash-and-grab incidents easier, according to the Citrus Heights Sentinel.
Detectives say surveillance stills show three suspects: one using a hammer to break the door and display cases, a second grabbing a white box from the cashier area, and a third dressed in black with a covered face and bright socks. One man swapped a brown hooded sweatshirt for a blue one, carrying a black backpack and wearing black gloves. The suspects fled in a silver or gray 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee (California plate 8UCY168). Investigators told the Sacramento Bee that the driver has been identified but remains at large with a felony warrant.
How to Help
Citrus Heights police are asking anyone with information to call the department’s tip line at 916-727-5524 or the non-emergency dispatch at 916-727-5500, according to the City of Citrus Heights contact page. The city also urges residents and business owners to check their security cameras for footage from the early-morning time frame of the burglary. Anonymous tips can be sent to Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357 or toll-free at 1-800-222-7463, per the City of Sacramento listing for regional Crime Stoppers.
A Bigger Pattern
This isn’t the first time Citrus Heights jewelry has been targeted. In December 2024, a suspect drove a stolen pickup through a JCPenney entrance at Sunrise Mall to reach the jewelry counter. Such incidents have led detectives to rely on surveillance footage, license-plate readers, and public tips to identify suspects and recover stolen property, according to KCRA.
