Brink’s Says Jewels and Gems Stolen On Way to Pasadena Worth Less than $10 Million, Far Below Original Reports

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies continued an investigation Monday into the theft of millions of dollars in jewelry and gems from a Brink’s truck in Lancaster.

The Brink’s truck was taking the merchandise from the International Gem and Jewelry Show in San Mateo to another show at the Pasadena Convention Center when the heist occurred early last Monday.

Brink’s spokesperson Dana Callahan said the merchandise was removed from the truck but did not disclose specifics about how.

In a statement, Brink’s said the value of the stolen jewelry and gems fell far short of original estimates reported by media in Northern California, which, based on a victim’s statement, had reported the high-end merchandise was worth from $100 to $150 million.

“According to the information the customers provided to us before they shipped their items, the total value of the missing items is less than $10 million,” Brink’s said. “We are working with law enforcement, and we will fully reimburse our customers for the value of their assets that were stolen, in accordance with the terms of our contract.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation said the agency was working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detectives but would not provide more information.