A Rolex watch valued at $8,900 was reported stolen from a local business inside the Valencia Town Center mall on Thursday, according to the store owner and officials from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
The incident occurred about 40 minutes after Alin, owner of Fast Fix Jewelry and Watch Repairs, displayed the 1975 stainless steel Rolex for a potential customer. Alin declined to share her last name, citing safety concerns.
On Thursday, two men and a woman entered the jewelry store. Employees approached them to offer assistance. The trio said they were shopping together to find a gift.
Alin said the three visitors spent around 20 minutes browsing the jewelry without showing interest in buying anything. “They were going back and forth, back and forth,” she explained.
During a brief moment when Alin stepped away, one of the men, described as being in his 40s and wearing a hat and jacket, leaned over the counter and took a green box containing the Rolex watch.
Ring security footage showed the man hiding the box inside his jacket. He continued to walk around the store for a few more minutes before leaving with the other two individuals, Alin said.
Neither Alin nor her employees realized the watch was missing until the next day. After searching the inventory, Alin reported the theft to deputies at approximately 4 p.m. Friday.
Deputy Villalobos from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station confirmed on Saturday morning that deputies responded to the mall and are investigating the stolen watch. No arrests have been made so far.
Watch Sergeant Johnny Gillespie could not provide additional details, as he had no access to the police report on Saturday.
Alin said the deputy told her the Ring footage, combined with the mall’s security cameras, offered a strong lead to identify the suspects.
This was not the first time Alin’s family-owned business had been targeted by theft. She expressed frustration over the loss, emphasizing that the business is her livelihood. “This is my bread and butter, we’re family here,” she said.
Despite feeling taken advantage of, Alin expressed relief that no one was harmed during the theft. “I’m grateful they didn’t have a gun or hurt any of my employees. The items are replaceable,” she said, her voice breaking.
Alin also dismissed rumors of an inside job. “My insurance covers $10,000, and this watch was not $10,000, so it’s not worth it,” she added.
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