Simi Valley

Security footage captured inside a strip mall showed three male suspects casing a Simi Valley jewelry store days before it was burglarized last month for more than $3 million in jewelry and other valuables.

That security footage was key in arresting four Chilean nationals with ties to an international theft ring, according to Simi Valley police.

Decades of savings, gold bullion, customer jewelry and other items totaling $2 million to $2.5 million were stolen from Simi Valley’s 5 Star Jewelry & Watch Repair.

Nasarenko thanked Simi Valley police for investigating, arresting and charging the defendants within a short span.

“This happened within three weeks of the date of the alleged offenses, bringing accountability and a measure of justice to the city of Simi Valley and the independent small businesses that make it such a tight-knit and supportive community,” he said.