Fact Check: "Robbers stole 24 bags of jewels while Brinks truck drivers slept!"
What We Know
In July 2022, a significant jewelry heist occurred involving a Brink's truck that was transporting approximately $100 million worth of gold, gems, and luxury watches. The incident took place at a rest stop in Lebec, California, where the truck was parked. According to reports, one driver was asleep inside the truck while the other was away having a meal. During this time, the suspects allegedly stole 24 bags of jewelry from the truck, which had been followed for over 300 miles from a jewelry show in San Mateo, California (BBC, CBS News, Los Angeles Times).
The indictment revealed that the suspects had scouted the truck prior to the robbery, tracking it as it left the jewelry show loaded with 73 bags. The robbery was discovered when the driver returned to find the exterior padlock missing, indicating forced entry (CBS News, USA Today). The Department of Justice later charged seven men for their involvement in this heist, which has been described as the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history (BBC, CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that "robbers stole 24 bags of jewels while Brinks truck drivers slept" is supported by multiple credible sources. The BBC and CBS News both confirm that the robbery occurred while one driver was asleep and the other was away from the vehicle. The details provided in the court documents and news reports indicate that the suspects had meticulously planned the heist, tracking the truck from its origin to the rest stop where the theft occurred.
The sources used in this analysis are reliable, including major news outlets like the BBC and CBS News, which have a history of accurate reporting. The information is corroborated by the Department of Justice's announcement regarding the charges against the suspects, which adds an additional layer of credibility to the claims made (Los Angeles Times, USA Today).
While some reports mention variations in the number of bags stolen (22 vs. 24), the core of the claim remains consistent across sources, focusing on the fact that the robbery took place while the drivers were not fully attentive to the security of the vehicle (CBS News, People).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that robbers stole 24 bags of jewels while Brink's truck drivers slept is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The details surrounding the heist, including the circumstances of the drivers' inattention and the methodical planning by the suspects, confirm the accuracy of the claim.
Sources
- Seven California men charged in 'largest jewellery heist ... - BBC. Link
- 7 Southern California men charged with "largest jewelry ... - CBS News. Link
- 'Largest jewelry heist in U.S. history': 7 indicted in massive ... - Los Angeles Times. Link
- 7 California men charged in largest jewelry heist in U.S. ... - 6abc. Link
- Feds charge 7 men in connection to $100M jewelry heist ... - USA Today. Link
- Brink's says rig driver slept while thieves stole 22 bags of ... - CBS News. Link
- 7 charged in record-setting, $100 million jewelry heist from ... - Silicon Valley. Link
- 22 Bags of Jewelry Were Stolen While Brink's Driver Was ... - People. Link
