A meticulously executed burglary in Simi Valley has left the owners of 5 Star Jewelry and Watch Repair reeling after thieves stole over $2 million in fine jewelry, custom pieces, and cash.
The heist—marked by precision and planning—targeted heirloom designs and luxury materials that spanned generations of craftsmanship.
According to authorities, burglars broke into a neighboring candy store, bypassed surveillance, and cut through a concrete wall into the jewelry shop. Over the course of three hours, they penetrated both the structure and a high-grade vault to access the store’s most valuable inventory—platinum engagement rings, diamond-encrusted timepieces, and bespoke gold jewelry curated over 25 years of family business.
“This wasn’t random,” said Ted Mackrel, owner of the adjacent Dr. Conkey’s Candy and Coffee, whose roof was used as the point of entry. “They clearly knew what they were after.”
For co-owner Jonathan Youssef, the loss is deeply personal. “This wasn’t just inventory,” he said. “These were irreplaceable treasures—grandmother’s diamonds, heritage watches, and bridal sets we were restoring for clients. It’s a cultural and emotional loss.”
The incident underscores how high-end, independently owned jewelers—known for their one-of-a-kind craftsmanship and trusted customer relationships—remain vulnerable targets for sophisticated criminals.
The Simi Valley Police Department is actively investigating the break-in. Meanwhile, the local business community has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the Youssef family as they attempt to rebuild their legacy rooted in artisanal jewelry and client loyalty.
