Jeweler Robbed of $900,000 in Armed Home Invasion

 (IDEX Online) - Five armed men allegedly stormed a US jeweler's home, beating him with firearms and threatening his family before escaping with jewelry and watches worth an estimated $900,000.

Alain Guevara Hernandez, known as "El Yuma", said the robbery took place at around 10:30 p.m. on November 2, at his home in northwest Miami-Dade County, Florida.

He told the Telemundo 51 news channel that a man who had previously bought jewelry from him arrived saying he wanted to purchase a Cartier watch. Once inside, the man allegedly pulled a gun and pointed it at him. Four more armed men then entered the property.

Guevara said he tried to escape but was knocked to the ground and repeatedly struck with firearms on his head, face and feet. His injuries required stitches. One of the attackers also fired a shot near his foot but did not hit him.

The other men threatened his wife and 21-year-old stepdaughter inside the house. Guevara said one of the robbers pointed a rifle at his wife's forehead.

The men took about 60 watches, between 50 and 70 chains, bracelets and other jewelry. One suspect was also seen carrying a safe from the property. Guevara estimated the value of the stolen goods at $900,000.

He said the man who allegedly organized the robbery had visited his home three times previously, without covering his face. Guevara believes the visits allowed him to gain his trust and see what merchandise was kept there.

The jeweler said he had been operating his business from home and meeting customers there at different hours.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office confirmed that deputies responded to a reported home robbery and found Guevara injured. He was taken to hospital in stable condition. His wife and stepdaughter were not physically hurt.

The Sheriff's Office Robbery Unit is investigating. No arrests had been reported in the initial coverage.

Guevara offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of each of the five suspects. He said he intended to move his business to a store with improved security.

The case has prompted warnings from the Jewelers' Security Alliance (JSA) about the risks of keeping merchandise at home and allowing customers to view stock at private residences.

Scott Guginsky, JSA executive vice president, said jewelers should not show merchandise in their homes, warning that this brings business-related risks into the family environment.

He also advised jewelers to use secure off-site storage, alarms and cameras, and to be discreet about their work and movements.

Caption: Security camera footage shows suspects during the armed home invasion in Miami-Dade County.