Fact Check: "Suspects tracked Brinks truck for 300 miles before executing the heist!"
What We Know
In July 2022, seven men from Southern California were indicted for what federal prosecutors are calling "the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history." The suspects allegedly followed a Brinks armored truck for approximately 300 miles from the San Francisco area to a rest stop in Lebec, California, where they executed the theft of 24 bags containing around $100 million worth of jewelry, including gold, diamonds, and luxury watches (NPR, BBC). According to the indictment, the suspects had scouted the truck for several days prior to the heist, observing it being loaded with valuables at an international jewelry show (ABC News, ABC11).
Analysis
The claim that the suspects tracked the Brinks truck for 300 miles is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The NPR report details the suspects' actions leading up to the heist, including their surveillance of the truck and the distance they followed it (NPR). The BBC corroborates this by stating that the suspects followed the truck from San Mateo to Lebec, California, covering the same distance (BBC). Other sources, such as ABC News and the New York Post, also confirm the 300-mile tracking claim, emphasizing the meticulous planning involved in the heist (ABC News, New York Post).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include established news organizations and official statements from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The reports are consistent in their details, which adds to their credibility. There is no indication of bias in the coverage, as the information is primarily derived from official indictments and statements from law enforcement.
Conclusion
The claim that suspects tracked the Brinks truck for 300 miles before executing the heist is True. Multiple credible sources confirm that the suspects followed the truck from San Mateo to Lebec, California, over a distance of approximately 300 miles, demonstrating a high level of planning and coordination for the heist.
Sources
- 7 California men indicted in largest U.S. jewelry heist - NPR
- Seven California men charged in 'largest jewellery heist' in US history - BBC
- 7 suspects identified in a $100M jewelry heist near Los Angeles - ABC News
- 7 California men charged in largest jewelry heist in U.S. history - ABC11
- 7 men indicted in $100M jewelry heist from Bay Area to Southern California - ABC7 News
- Feds nab 7 thieves accused of stealing $100M worth of gold, diamonds, rubies, and other bling in biggest jewel heist in US history - New York Post
- 7 Nabbed in Largest US Jewel Heist - Newser
- How a crew of seven pulled off the biggest jewelry heist in U.S. history - Economic Times