ANTIOCH — Police have released video of a suspect they say hid inside a department store after closing hours last month before smashing jewelry display cases and making off with nearly $500,000 in items.
Police have not responded to an inquiry about why it took so long for them to announce the burglary and release the video.
The video and information about the smash-and-grab theft was released on the department’s Facebook page Wednesday.
Police said they responded to an alarm call at JC Penny, 4951 Slatten Ranch Road, just after 10 p.m. June 15.
Officers reviewed store surveillance video which showed a man approaching the glass jewelry cases, taking a hammer or some other kind of tool, and smashing the glass before scooping up and taking off with nearly half a million dollars in items.
Store video also showed the man walking into the store at 8:25 p.m. June 15 shortly before its closing time and hiding for a few hours before committing the theft.
Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Detective Cole Shaffer at 925-481-8604 or cshaffer@antiochca.gov.
