Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast America’s Best Jewel Thief Reveals His SECRET STRATEGY | Punch Stanimirovic
Jun 18, 2025
Punch Stanimirovic, a former jewel thief raised in a family of diamond criminals, shares his gripping experiences from a life of crime. He details his first heist in New York's diamond district at just 15, revealing the thrill and challenges of navigating security. The conversation dives into his mastery of safe-cracking and the collaboration with skilled craftsmen. Punch highlights a daring heist worth $3 million, showcasing both the adrenaline and risks of his world, alongside reflections on personal growth after 21 years in prison.
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Early Lock Picking Lessons
- Punch learned lock picking from his father starting at age six or seven.
- He mastered the mechanics and became the go-to guy for opening various safes.
Diamond District Night Break-ins
- Punch surveilled jewelry stores at night in Manhattan's diamond district to find safes he could open quickly.
- He would silently break in through backyards using tools like car jacks and crowbars under active alarms.
First Million Dollar Heist
- Punch's first heist at age 15 netted him a million dollars from an Indian gem company.
- He entered through a bathroom window after gaining access via adjacent offices his family controlled.