3 Rob Fashion Island Store of $100,000 in Gems

Three armed bandits robbed a Newport Center Fashion Island jewelry store Tuesday, escaping with more than $100,000 in diamonds and other valuables, police said.

“It appeared to be smooth, professional and well-planned,” Police Sgt. Andy Gonis said.

The robbery occurred about 6:25 p.m. when the three masked men entered Moboco Fine Jewelry & Gems in the 200 block of Newport Center Drive.

The bandits--at least two of whom were armed--walked into the store’s outer lobby and kicked in a security door to gain access to the showroom area, Gonis said.

Eight employees and customers were held at gunpoint while the bandits grabbed several pieces of jewelry from the top of the display cases.

No shots were fired and no one was injured, Gonis said.

An employee activated an alarm that signaled a robbery in progress, and police arrived at the store about a minute later, Gonis said. “But they (robbers) were gone,” he said. “No one saw a car leave. They were in and out in a flash.”

Last Thursday, three men attempted to rob a jewelry store at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa but fled empty-handed.

It was not known if the two incidents are connected.