Beneath the hustle of city streets and the quiet of upstate towns of New York state lies a surprising criminal world. Thieves target valuable rocks, minerals, gems, and gold across our state.
Most folks think big heists only happen in movies or faraway places. The truth might shock you. From museum break-ins to jewelry store robberies, these crimes happen more often than you might think.
The criminals range from organized gangs to lone operators with insider knowledge. They know exactly what they’re looking for and how much it’s worth. They strike quickly, taking only the most valuable items and leaving authorities puzzled.
What makes these thefts unique is the combination of value and beauty being stolen. These aren’t just ordinary items but pieces of natural art worth thousands or even millions of dollars. Some stolen specimens took millions of years to form but only minutes to disappear.
The Greatest Rock, Mineral, Gem, and Gold Heists In New York
New York has been the scene of some of the most infamous mineral and gemstone heists in history, with thieves targeting both world-renowned institutions and private collectors.
Lufthansa Cargo Heist – $28,320,000+
One of the most audacious robberies in U.S. history unfolded at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in the early hours of December 11, 1978.
A group of masked men executed a meticulously planned heist at the Lufthansa Airlines cargo building, making off with approximately $5.875 million in cash and jewelry. At the time, this was the largest cash theft ever committed on American soil.
The operation was orchestrated by James “Jimmy the Gent” Burke, an associate of the Lucchese crime family. Leveraging inside information from airport employees, notably Louis Werner, a cargo agent indebted due to gambling losses, the crew gained critical insights into the security protocols and schedules of cash shipments.
The heist commenced around 3:00 a.m. The robbers subdued the airport personnel, binding and gagging them to prevent any alarms from being raised.
They then proceeded to the high-value storage area, where they loaded the cash and jewelry into waiting vehicles. The entire operation was executed with precision, concluding in less than two hours.
In the aftermath, the FBI launched an extensive investigation. However, the robbers had left minimal evidence, making it challenging to identify the culprits.
Despite the extensive investigation and numerous indictments over the years, the majority of the stolen money and jewelry were never recovered. The Lufthansa heist has since become emblematic of organized crime’s reach and audacity during that era, immortalized in popular culture through films like “Goodfellas.”
The value of the crime today
The stolen cash and valuables would be worth approximately $28.32 million today.
Pierre Hotel Depository Robbery – $27,000,000+
In the early hours of January 2, 1972, a group of thieves executed a meticulously planned heist at The Pierre, a luxury hotel in New York City. The operation was orchestrated by Samuel Nalo and Robert “Bobby” Comfort, both seasoned burglars with a history of high-profile thefts.
They assembled a team that included Robert “Bobby” Germaine, Ali-Ben, and Al Green, each bringing specific skills to the operation. Arriving at the hotel around 3:50 a.m., the team utilized a black Cadillac limousine to gain entry, exploiting the guise of a guest’s arrival.
Once inside, they swiftly subdued the limited staff on duty, totaling nineteen hostages, whom they handcuffed and secured in an alcove near the registration desk. The timing of the robbery was strategic, as many guests had stored their valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit boxes following New Year’s Eve celebrations, awaiting bank vaults to reopen later that morning.
The robbers, disguised and armed, compelled the hotel auditor to provide index cards matching the safety deposit boxes to their owners, ensuring they targeted the most lucrative holdings.
Over the course of the heist, they meticulously emptied selected boxes, amassing a haul valued at approximately $3 million at the time. This staggering sum earned the robbery a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest, most successful hotel robbery in history.
The value of the crime today
The stolen goods would be about $27 million today.
Jacmel Jewelry Inside Job – $18,000,000+
Between 2004 and 2009, Teresa Tambunting, a long-time employee and vault manager at Jacmel Jewelry in Queens, orchestrated a significant theft from her employer. Over these five years, she systematically smuggled approximately 513 pounds of gold out of the company’s vault.
Tambunting’s method involved discreetly removing small quantities of gold on a daily basis, leveraging her trusted position within the company. Her actions went unnoticed until January 2009, when Jacmel Jewelry discovered the substantial discrepancy in their inventory.
Confronted with the investigation, Tambunting returned 66 pounds of gold, valued at about $868,000, in a suitcase to the company’s office. Subsequent searches of her residence uncovered an additional 450 pounds of gold, further highlighting the extent of her embezzlement.
This case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist within trusted positions and the potential for significant internal theft over extended periods.
The value of the crime today
Today, the stolen gold’s value would be around $18 million.
$6 Million Gold Burglary – $19,000,000+
In April 1983, a daring burglary took place at Gold Heart International Ltd., a jewelry company located on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
The thieves executed a well-planned operation, smashing through a concrete wall with a sledgehammer to gain access to the premises. Once inside, they seized approximately 900 pounds of gold chains, valued at $6 million at the time.
The burglars left no significant evidence behind, and none of the stolen gold was ever recovered. This case remains unsolved, standing as one of the most significant gold thefts in New York City’s history.
The value of the crime today
The 900 pounds of gold were worth $6 million in 1983. Today, that gold would be valued at over $19 million.
New Year’s Eve Jewel Heist – $7,500,000+
As New York City celebrated the arrival of 2017, a sophisticated burglary unfolded at KGK Holdings, a diamond wholesale company located in Midtown Manhattan.
On New Year’s Eve, three thieves exploited the festivities and the distraction of the Times Square ball drop to execute their plan. They entered the premises and proceeded to access two safes on the sixth floor, making off with diamonds and other gems valued at approximately $6 million.
Surveillance footage revealed one of the burglars calmly dialing the combination to the safes, leading investigators to suspect an inside job. The safes had been loaned to KGK Holdings by Lacka Safe Co., and only a select few individuals from both companies were privy to the combinations.
Investigators speculated that a high-ranking employee from Lacka Safe Co., possibly dealing with personal issues, might have provided the necessary information to the thieves.
Despite these leads, the stolen jewels were never recovered, and the case remains unsolved.
The value of the crime today
Adjusted for inflation, the $6 million would be approximately worth $7.5 million today.
Avianne & Co. Armed Robbery – $4,400,000+
In August 2019, three men disguised as customers entered Avianne & Co., a renowned jewelry store in New York City’s Diamond District. One suspect wore a suit and fedora, another had a red and black cloth around his head, and the third donned a bucket hat; two wore wigs with dreadlocks.
After being buzzed in, they requested to view rings, leading two employees to escort them to the back room.
Once inside, the men brandished firearms, ordering the employees to the floor. They used zip ties and duct tape to restrain the staff. The robbers then scrambled to collect merchandise from various showcases. The entire heist was captured on surveillance cameras.
Despite their apparent lack of coordination, the thieves managed to steal an estimated $4 million in jewels. They attempted to hail a taxi during their escape but were unsuccessful, leading them to flee on foot. As of the latest reports, the suspects remain at large.
The value of the crime today
The stolen jewels would be worth approximately $4.4 million today.
“Jewel Heist of the Century” – $3,500,000+
On October 29, 1964, two burglars executed a daring heist at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. They stole 24 rare gemstones, including the 563-carat Star of India sapphire and the 100-carat DeLong ruby. At the time, this was considered the largest jewel theft in U.S. history.
The thieves, Jack Murphy and Allan Kuhn, exploited the museum’s lax security. They entered through a bathroom window and found the gem display cases unalarmed. The stolen gems were valued at $410,000 then, equivalent to about $3 million today.
Most of the gems were later recovered, but the 16-carat Eagle Diamond was never found. The heist highlighted significant security lapses in major institutions.
The value of the crime today
That $410,000 would be approximately $3.5 million today.
Bronx Diamond Smash-and-Grab – $2,100,000+
In August 2022, a brazen daylight robbery occurred at Rocco’s Jewelry in the Fordham Heights section of the Bronx. Four masked men entered the store, with one holding the door open for the others. They used a hammer to smash open display cases, seizing more than $2 million worth of jewelry.
The entire heist lasted just 36 seconds and was captured on surveillance video. The suspects were last seen fleeing on foot, heading southbound on Webster Avenue. The swift and bold nature of the crime left the local community shaken.
As of the latest reports, the suspects have not been apprehended. The incident underscores the challenges faced by jewelry stores in urban areas.
The value of the crime today
The stolen jewelry was valued at over $2 million in 2022. That amount would be approximately $2.1 million today.
Tiffany’s Fifth Avenue Robbery – $3,400,000+
On September 4, 1994, six men orchestrated a daring heist at Tiffany & Co.’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
The group included two Tiffany’s security employees: Scott Jackson, a security supervisor, and Mark Bascom, a guard. They collaborated with Jackson’s cousins, Mark Klass and Derrick Jackson, and two associates, Theodore Johnson and Charles Gillyard.
The robbers entered the store around midnight, exploiting their insider knowledge to avoid triggering alarms. They subdued four on-duty security guards, binding them with tape. Over 400 pieces of jewelry, valued at approximately $1.9 million, were stolen without any shots fired or safes breached.
The thieves’ lack of a proper plan to sell the stolen items led to their downfall. Attempting to offload the jewelry on the streets of Harlem, they attracted attention. A tipster alerted the police about a suspicious sale, leading to a stakeout and the eventual arrest of the suspects.
Within two weeks, all six men were apprehended, and most of the stolen jewelry was recovered. The heist remains the largest in Tiffany’s history, highlighting vulnerabilities even in well-secured establishments
The value of the crime today
In 1994, the stolen jewelry was worth $1.9 million. Today, it would be about $3.4 million.
Sotheby’s Pink Diamond Switch – $1,600,000+
In 1983, a cunning thief executed a sophisticated heist at the Sotheby Parke Bernet auction house in Manhattan. The target was a rare 9.58-carat pink emerald-cut diamond valued between $550,000 and $600,000. The gem was on display for potential buyers prior to its scheduled auction.
The thief, posing as an interested buyer, requested a closer examination of the diamond. During this private viewing, they cleverly replaced the valuable gem with an inferior diamond coated with pink nail polish to mimic the original’s appearance. The switch went unnoticed initially, allowing the thief to leave undetected.
The deception was discovered when another potential buyer examined the stone and noticed discrepancies. Upon closer inspection, Sotheby’s staff found that the original pink diamond had been swapped. The FBI was promptly notified, but despite investigations, the thief and the genuine diamond were never recovered.
The value of the crime today
The stolen pink diamond would be worth approximately $1.6 million today.
Macy’s Disguised-Guard Burglary Foiled – $1,500,000+
A masked individual disguised as a security guard attempted a bold robbery at a Macy’s store in Downtown Brooklyn in February 2025. The thief entered the store after hours, exploiting the guise to access restricted areas.
However, the plan unraveled when an employee, still present in the store, confronted the intruder. Caught off guard, the thief abandoned the suitcases containing the stolen goods and fled the scene empty-handed. The quick thinking of the employee thwarted what could have been a significant loss for the retailer.
The incident highlighted the importance of vigilance and the potential risks associated with impersonation tactics. Despite the sophisticated approach, the lack of thorough planning led to the failure of the heist. Authorities continue to investigate, but as of now, the suspect remains at large.
The value of the crime today
The attempted theft involved $1.5 million worth of jewelry.
Sherry-Netherland “Sophia Loren” Suite Heist – $6,800,000+
In 1970, a group of thieves targeted the luxury suite of Italian film star Sophia Loren at the Sherry-Netherland Hotel in Manhattan. The burglars executed the heist while Loren was away, making off with approximately $1 million in cash and jewels from her room.
This incident was part of a series of high-profile hotel jewel thefts by the same gang, who targeted other elite NYC hotels during that era.
The gang’s modus operandi involved meticulous planning and exploiting security lapses in upscale hotels. They often struck when the occupants were absent, minimizing the risk of confrontation. The theft of Loren’s valuables drew significant media attention, highlighting the vulnerabilities in hotel security at the time.
Despite investigations, many of these hotel heists, including the one involving Loren’s suite, remained unsolved. The stolen items were rarely recovered, and the perpetrators eluded capture.
The value of the crime today
The stolen cash and jewels would be worth approximately $6.8 million today.
Rooftop Jeweler Burglary in New Rochelle – $1,200,000+
On February 2, 2018, thieves executed a daring burglary at New Rochelle Coin, Stamp, and Jewelers in Westchester County. The perpetrators cut a hole through the roof of the establishment, dropping into the store after hours to steal about $1 million in merchandise.
The burglars demonstrated significant planning and knowledge of the building’s layout. By accessing the store through the roof, they avoided traditional entry points and likely bypassed standard security measures. The heist was swift, and the thieves left minimal evidence at the scene.
Months later, in April 2018, two 55-year-old suspects were arrested in connection with the burglary. Authorities alleged that these individuals were behind not only the New Rochelle heist but also other similar burglaries in the area. The arrests were the result of extensive investigations, including surveillance and forensic analysis.
The value of the crime today
That stolen $1 million haul in 2018 would now be valued at around $1.2 million.
Long Island Jewelry Burglary Ring – $1,000,000+
In June 2023, Nassau County police arrested three men linked to a South American theft ring responsible for a $1 million jewelry heist in a North Shore home. The suspects were apprehended in Queens after an extensive investigation. This burglary ring was notorious for targeting affluent residences in New York.
The thieves meticulously planned their operations, often traveling from South America to the United States to execute their crimes. They focused on wealthy neighborhoods, exploiting vulnerabilities in home security systems. Their tactics included surveillance and swift entry and exit strategies.
During the North Shore heist, the burglars made off with high-value jewelry, causing significant financial loss and emotional distress to the homeowners.
Authorities believe that this group was part of a larger network operating across various states. Their apprehension was a significant victory for local law enforcement, aiming to curb the activities of such organized theft rings.
The value of the crime today
The stolen jewelry is worth $1 million.
The Pelham Manor Butler Jewel Con – $1,600,000+
In 1917, a man known as “The Major” infiltrated the Bolton Priory estate in Pelham Manor as a butler. His real name was Jacob Svoboda, an infamous European jewel thief. He spent months gaining the trust of the household before executing one of the era’s most sensational jewel thefts.
Svoboda patiently waited for the opportune moment to strike. When the household was away, he seized the chance to abscond with jewels valued at approximately $85,000 at the time.
The theft shocked the community and garnered significant media attention. Despite initial challenges in apprehending Svoboda, he was eventually captured, tried, and convicted for his crimes.
Svoboda’s methodical approach and ability to embed himself within the household showcased his cunning nature. The case remains a notable example of early 20th-century high-society crime.
The value of the crime today
The stolen amount is equivalent to over $1.6 million today.
Javits Center Gem Show Theft – $290,000+
In October 2016, during the Jewelers of America Special Delivery Show at Manhattan’s Javits Center, a jewelry dealer discovered that 2,200 silver and gemstone rings, valued around $250,000, were missing from his booth.
Investigators reviewed security footage and observed a fellow vendor entering the closed show floor with an empty suitcase and leaving 14 minutes later. Despite this suspicious activity, prosecutors deemed the video “not conclusive,” and no charges were filed.
The victim, Frank Canari, expressed frustration over the lack of action, highlighting the challenges in prosecuting crimes even with surveillance evidence. The case remains a cautionary tale for exhibitors regarding the importance of securing valuable merchandise, even in seemingly secure environments.
The value of the crime today
The stolen rings would be worth approximately $290,000 today.
Bronx Fake-Cop Home Invasion – $140,000+
In June 2020, two men impersonating NYPD officers gained entry into a Bronx home. Once inside, they tied up the occupants at gunpoint and stole $30,000 in cash plus $100,000 in jewels. The robbers even fled in the victims’ BMW, which was later found abandoned.
This chilling residential heist exploited trust in the police during a time of citywide upheaval. The audacity of the criminals highlighted the need for residents to verify the identity of individuals claiming to be law enforcement.
The value of the crime today
The stolen assets totaled $130,000 in 2020. Adjusting for inflation, that amount would be approximately $140,000 today.
