Help Bust a Major Jewelry Theft Ring

A map showing when and where the burglaries have taken place—in case you might have seen anything suspicious at these locations. FBI Photos

(FBI) We need your help in identifying members of a sophisticated crime ring that we believe has stolen $5 million worth of jewelry in 50+ burglaries in at least 10 states since April 2003. We're offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for these thefts.

The ring is called the "Gate Cutters Jewelry Crew" because it’s known to break into jewelry stores by cutting through roll down security gates. Typically, its operatives work in teams of four to five, burglarize stores and mall shops during off hours, and are in and out of the stores in minutes.

We can also tell you that the suspects typically wear hooded sweatshirts, are described as possibly African-American or Hispanic males, and often target men's gold jewelry, including chains, bracelets, rings, and watches.

A map showing when and where the burglaries have taken place—in case you might have seen anything suspicious at these locations. FBI Image

If you have any information that could help us identify these individuals or any details on burglaries using similar methods, please contact your local law enforcement, your nearest FBI field office, or call the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324).

What else are we doing to catch these thieves? Now, we're also announcing a new Gate Cutters Jewelry Task Force that includes representatives of federal, state, and local law enforcement and the jewelry and gem industry. Created during an October meeting in New York City, the task force is developing a unified strategy to take down the crime ring and is sharing information and resources.

Click Here to see video of the Gate Cutters Jewerly Crew at work. In it you can see an individual outside a jewelry store picking up a bag, as other individuals approach. All are wearing dark clothes with hooded jackets or caps. Four individuals then enter the store with bags after cutting a hole in the security gate that protects the entire front entrance of the store. Individuals can be seen removing contents of display cases throughout the store as another individual walks back and forth in the mall in front of the store.