Newly Opened Berkeley Jewelry Studio Burglarized for $10,000

URGENT UPDATE: A newly opened jewelry making studio in Berkeley, California, was burglarized over the weekend, forcing the business to temporarily close. Owner Amy Fitzgerald reported that the thief broke through a side door and stole over $10,000 worth of equipment and supplies.

The incident occurred late Saturday night, shocking the local community. Fitzgerald expressed her dismay, stating, “It’s disheartening to see our hard work targeted like this.” The burglary has left the DIY jewelry making shop, Silverwork Studios, reeling and struggling to recover from the loss.

Local authorities are actively investigating the break-in, urging anyone with information to come forward. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by small businesses, particularly those just starting out. Fitzgerald emphasized the emotional toll this has taken, saying, “This studio is our passion, and now we have to rebuild.”

The East Bay area has seen a rise in burglaries recently, raising concerns among residents and business owners alike. Fitzgerald plans to reopen as soon as possible and is looking into security enhancements for the studio.

As this story develops, residents are encouraged to support local businesses. Fitzgerald is hopeful for a quick return to normalcy but warns that the financial impact could be significant.

Stay tuned for updates as authorities continue their investigation into this alarming incident.