In the most recent burglaries, stores in Laguna Hills and Carlsbad were robbed early Friday morning. Both stores, 42 miles apart, were hit within 90 minutes, The Orange County Register reported.

The break-in at the Laguna Hills store was caught by a security camera, which filmed three people wearing ski masks and hoods as well as gloves. They snatched gold from cabinets as the alarm played out in the background.

The chain estimated that $200,000 to $400,000 in jewelry was taken from each store. Investigators believe that the jewelry is being melted down and sold, taking advantage of the high price of gold at about $1,000 an ounce.

J.C. Penney has offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to arrests. Investigators were also trying to determine if a current or former store employee is involved.