INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Police are searching for a group of suspects who smashed a car into the front of Saks Fifth Avenue, then took off with as much merchandise as they could carry.

The broken gates and wooden boards mark the spot where police say the group of robbers smashed a car into the Saks at the Fashion Mall.

“After 3 a.m. a rental car from out of state was driven through the east doors of the Saks,” said IMPD North District Commander Josh Barker.

At least six people then ran into the store, wearing hoods to cover their faces. Police say each one grabbed as much merchandise as they could carry. A security guard who heard the car smash through the glass ran over to stop them.

“The suspects were alerted to his presence which interrupted the theft and they fled pretty quickly. One of the suspects tackled the security guard,” said Commander Barker.

Police say the thieves had so much stuff they dropped several items on their way out. The group then took off in other cars waiting in the parking lot including a red SUV and a white car. Police believe this group may be connected to other similar retail thefts.

“It is not uncommon for there to be a somewhat organized retail theft ring that operates in a multi-state area not just multi-jurisdictional,” said Commander Barker.

In just the past year, IMPD reports show they have responded to the Fashion Mall around 100 times for a range of theft, robbery, burglary, and larceny cases. Over at Castleton Square Mall, also a Simon Property, IMPD reports they have responded to triple that amount. One of those cases was back in February when suspects smashed jewelry cases and took off with more than $100,000 in merchandise. As for how much these thieves stole…

“They are still going through the inventory to do a count of what they have and what is missing and they will provide us a total for the loss,” said Commander Barker.

If you have information on this smash and grab case, call IMPD or Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS.

Simons Malls issued the following statement to CBS4 regarding the incident:

“The safety and security of our shoppers and employees is our top priority. We are working diligently with IMPD on this particular matter and thank them for their tireless partnership. We would ask that you please direct all further inquiries to IMPD.”