$1 million worth of jewelry stolen from New Jersey store during elaborate heist, police say

Police in Toms River, New Jersey, are investigating after $1 million worth of jewelry was stolen from a store during an elaborate heist.

Police said on Thursday at 10:10 a.m. officers were called to Venzio Jewelers in the Ocean County Mall regarding a burglary and theft.

Upon arrival, police said officers learned that between Wednesday at 8 p.m. and Thursday at 10 a.m., a thief or thieves made their way in by cutting a hole through a wall separating the jewelry store and vacant store

Police said there were no pry marks or evidence of forced entry into the vacant adjacent store rear door. This door leads directly to the exterior of the mall. Police add that the initial investigating officers had observed the door to be closed but unlocked. 

According to police, the alarm panel was ripped off the wall and deactivated and a torch was used to enter a large safe.

Police said sprinkler heads were covered with tape, and rags were placed on the bottom of the door in an apparent attempt to minimize smoke exposure into the showroom.

According to police, the thief or thieves avoided detection while inside the Venzio office and approximately $1 million worth of jewelry was stolen.

A surveillance video has been obtained, but the police said they would not release it at this time.

Police said they have also identified vehicles of interest, but the vehicle descriptions will not be released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact Detective Michael MacDonald at 732-349-0150 x1366 or Detective Jennifer Grob at 732-349-0150 x1319.