HAYWARD — Police were investigating an apparent smash-and-grab robbery by a group of people Sunday evening that targeted a jewelry store at Southland Mall, authorities said.
Around 5:25 p.m., police responded to reports of possible shots fired at the mall, 1 Southland Mall Drive, Hayward police Officer Cassondra Fovel said. Officers found no evidence of gunfire or injury when they arrived.
According to witnesses, nine people entered the mall and approached a Sam’s Jewelers store before using hammers to smash cases and pluck valuables from them, Fovel said. A similar robbery last week at a Concord mall also drew reports of gunfire when thieves used hammers to smash glass displays.
The people then fled on foot from the mall, got into at least two vehicles and rode away at high speeds. Both the mall and the store were due to close for the day around 6 p.m., according to the mall’s Web site.
No description of the suspects or vehicles, or on any connection with recent flash-mob robberies in other Bay Area cities, was immediately available.
Anyone with information may call Hayward police at 510-293-7176.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.
