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The 88-year-old store owner was assaulted during the heist, and the victim’s family and community leaders want the governor to do more to prevent smash-and-grab crimes.

The front of the jewelry store is now boarded up after a car rammed into the entrance.

Surveillance video captured what appeared to be a well-coordinated attack Friday afternoon at Kim Hung Jewelry. A car backed into the store’s entrance and more than 15 people jumped out of three vehicles.

Inside, thieves wearing hoodies, masks and caps smashed glass cases and snatched jewelry.

At one point, a suspect shoved the 88-year-old owner to the ground, and he cut his feet on broken glass. His niece found him outside minutes later.

She said her uncle was taken to the hospital, where doctors also confirmed he had a stroke. He was released Sunday, but after four decades in the jewelry business, the owner is so traumatized he may never return.

His son was also inside during the robbery but was not injured.

On Sunday, the family and community leaders demanded change to crack down on smash-and-grab thefts.

“This is very scary. Every small business and their livelihood depends on income from the stores,” said Cupertino Mayor Liang-Fang Chao.

“It’s a huge problem that we have everywhere. We need to get Prop 36 funding. The governor was supposed to do it and he needs to do it quick,” said Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano.

Voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36 in 2024. The law allows felony charges and increases sentences for certain drug and theft crimes. It went into effect in December, but community leaders say the governor must adequately fund enforcement to better protect small businesses.

Damage to the store alone is estimated at up to $100,000. On Tuesday, Vietnamese business owners will meet with the San Jose police chief to discuss ways to crack down on smash-and-grab crimes like this one.

Source: NBC Bay Area