Fact Check: Robbers stole 24 bags of jewels while truck drivers were distracted!

Fact Check: "Robbers stole 24 bags of jewels while truck drivers were distracted!"

What We Know

In July 2022, a significant jewelry heist occurred involving a Brinks truck in California, which has been described as the "largest jewelry heist in U.S. history" with an estimated value of $100 million in stolen goods, including gold, gems, and luxury watches. According to reports, the heist took place at a rest stop in Lebec, California, where the truck was parked while one driver was asleep and the other was having a meal (BBC, CNN). The suspects tracked the truck after it left a jewelry show in San Mateo, following it for nearly 300 miles before executing the theft of 24 bags of jewelry (NBC Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times).

The indictment against the suspects indicates that they had been observing the truck and its cargo for several days prior to the heist. They allegedly gained access to the truck by sawing off the exterior padlock (BBC, CNN). The robbery was discovered when the driver returned to find the padlock missing, and authorities later recovered some of the stolen items during search warrants executed on June 16, 2025 (NBC Los Angeles).

Analysis

The claim that "robbers stole 24 bags of jewels while truck drivers were distracted" is supported by multiple reputable sources. The details provided in the reports indicate that the heist was meticulously planned, with the suspects tracking the truck and waiting for an opportune moment when the drivers were not vigilant. The heist's execution during a time when one driver was asleep and the other was eating clearly aligns with the claim of distraction (NBC Los Angeles, CNN).

The sources used in this fact-check are credible news outlets, including BBC, CNN, and NBC Los Angeles, which have extensive experience in reporting on crime and legal matters. The information comes from official indictments and statements from the Department of Justice, lending further credibility to the claims made (BBC, CNN).

However, it is important to note that while the reports confirm the distraction of the truck drivers, they do not provide explicit details on how the robbers executed the theft without confrontation. This lack of detail does not undermine the overall accuracy of the claim but highlights the need for further investigation into the methods used by the suspects.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that robbers stole 24 bags of jewels while truck drivers were distracted is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The detailed accounts of the heist confirm that the robbery occurred while one driver was asleep and the other was eating, which directly supports the claim. The organized nature of the crime and the substantial value of the stolen goods further emphasize the seriousness of the incident.

Fact Check: Robbers stole 24 bags of jewels while truck drivers were distracted!