Sylmar, CA – April 18, 2024 – Security company GardaWorld is reeling after a brazen robbery on Easter Sunday saw thieves vanish with an estimated $30 million from a high-security vault in Sylmar, California.

Authorities are tight-lipped about potential suspects, but a joint investigation by the FBI and LAPD is underway.

Flawless Execution Raises Eyebrows

According to LAPD Commander Elaine Morales, the heist occurred sometime Sunday night. The breach went unnoticed until facility operators discovered the empty vault on Monday morning.

The seemingly effortless break-in has security experts questioning potential insider involvement. “It suggests a sophisticated team effort,” said USC professor Suzanne Lynch, a former corporate crime investigator. “Potentially insiders with knowledge of the layout and security protocols, working alongside a skilled outside crew.”

GardaWorld’s Past Casts a Shadow

This incident isn’t the first time GardaWorld has faced questions about missing funds. A 2020 Tampa Bay Times investigation uncovered millions of dollars in discrepancies across company vaults, with reports of employees ignoring security protocols and failing to investigate missing cash.

Authorities Seek Public’s Help

While updates from the investigation remain scarce, authorities have confirmed evidence of attempted entry points on both the roof and a side wall of the building. Additionally, at least one alarm was triggered during the heist but failed to dispatch law enforcement.

The FBI is urging anyone with information to come forward. The sheer volume of cash involved suggests a logistical challenge for the thieves. Transporting millions in bills likely required large getaway vehicles, which may have attracted attention.

“Thirty million dollars is a significant amount to vanish unnoticed,” said economics and mathematics student Ezra Avery. “The planning must have been meticulous.”

Public Reaction Divided

While some, like Avery, express a morbid curiosity about the heist’s outcome, others hope for swift justice. “This would make a great Netflix series in a few decades,” remarked journalism student Roman Marchetti, “but I definitely want to see them caught first.”

The investigation into the GardaWorld heist is ongoing. Whether GardaWorld can regain public trust and recover the stolen millions remains to be seen.