Robbers brazenly hit Santa Ana jewelry store during business hours

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- Surveillance video released by Santa Ana police shows a man walking into a jewelry store as the man behind him, wearing a mask, begins to smashing a case with a crowbar.

After breaking the glass, he reaches in and grabs several bags of gold items, then casually walks out.

"They were very forceful. It looked like they had a plan," said Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

The crime happened around 6 p.m. Tuesday at Don Roberto Jewelers on the 400-block of East 1st street.

The store was still open and two saleswomen were inside.

The manager would not go on camera but sent a statement: "The perpetrators that committed this crime terrorized our employees by coming in covered up and smashing our cases. We will help law enforcement with anything we can to bring them to justice."

He also said he's relieved his employees were not hurt.

Police are hoping someone recognizes these two men, especially the one whose face is not covered.

"Our hope is by the mannerisms, the clothes and somebody identifying the second suspect, we can get the two of them into custody," said Bertagna.

Santa Ana police are also not ruling out the possibility that this may be linked to other crimes committed in the same way.

"We're reaching out to other agencies in Orange County and LA to see if this is the first," Bertagna said.

If you recognize either of the men in the video, you're asked to call Orange County Crimestoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.