SOUTH BARRINGTON, Ill. — In what authorities describe as a highly calculated break-in, thieves stole more than $1.3 million in jewelry from a suburban Chicago store after cutting through the safe using industrial tools — and disabling the building’s internet.
The overnight heist took place between May 9–10, 2025, at Rick Kleinvehn Diamond Brokers, located in an office complex in South Barrington, about 45 minutes northwest of Chicago.
Thieves Spent Hours Inside, Left Store Gutted
Store owner Rick Kleinvehn said the burglars worked for nearly five hours after cutting a hole behind the safe and disabling the entire office complex’s internet. According to Kleinvehn, the thieves used a wet saw, which caused metal, slush, and debris to pool across the floor.
“They had buckets and were pouring water onto the hot metal while cutting through the safe,” Kleinvehn told ABC News.
Nearly 90% Of Store’s Jewelry Gone
The thieves reportedly stole about 1,000 pieces of jewelry — nearly 90% of the store’s inventory, according to the owner.
Kleinvehn suspects insider knowledge may have been involved.
“There’s got to be someone who told them exactly where the safe was. Nobody knew that but us,” he said.
Similar Heist Reported In California Weeks Later
The FBI has joined local law enforcement in the investigation. Authorities noted that a similar jewelry heist took place two weeks later in Simi Valley, California, where thieves broke through a candy store wall to reach a jewelry shop and made off with over $2 million.
There is no official connection between the two cases at this time.
Reward Offered For Information
Kleinvehn is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the thieves’ arrest — and up to $50,000 more if the jewelry is recovered.
The South Barrington Police Department and the FBI continue to investigate the incident. Police Chief Michael Garrison declined to comment further.
Have you seen suspicious activity near South Barrington or heard anything about the stolen items?
Help bring justice — comment tips anonymously at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
