STOCKTON, Calif. — Two people with sledgehammers tried to break into a Stockton jewelry store Tuesday.
According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, the attempted heist was reported around 12 p.m.
Deputies said the two suspects were using sledgehammers in an effort to break into DeVon's Jewelers in Lincoln Center.
"They were attempting to break into what's called... an outside display from the outside and attempted to smash in there and grab some Rolex watches that were being displayed," said Deputy Andres Lopez, spokesperson for the sheriff's office.
Video provided by the sheriff's office shows the two suspects trying to break the glass window before giving up and taking off in a black four-door sedan. Lopez said the glass didn't break due to being some type of security glass.
"This incident, to happen... in the daytime, it's not abnormal. This happens all the time anywhere, whether it be night or daytime. It's what's called a smash and grab; they'll go in there and do a quick break into a vehicle or a building, and get what they can and then leave," Lopez said.
Lopez added that while video is very useful for law enforcement, they don't recommend people stopping to take video of a crime in progress.
"We don't ever recommend you to get your phone out and start recording and make contact with these people because if you do that, they can also turn their attention towards you," Lopez said.
Employees were inside the building at the time of the attempted break-in and moved some Rolex watches away from the display case, deputies said.
No arrests have been made, but the suspects could face felony vandalism and attempted theft charges if they're caught.
"I'm sure they had a goal in their mind and they figured they know easiest way to smash a window would be with the sledge hammer... so I think they came prepared," Lopez said.
He added that if anybody saw something during the incident to let deputies know.
DeVons Jewelers provided the following statement to ABC10 about the break in.
"We can only say that our staff worked quickly to secure our store and we are very happy all staff and customers are safe."
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