(CNN) Robbers made off with an estimated $2.5 million from a mint in Mexico City Tuesday, after the vault was reportedly left open.

Police are searching for the perpetrators of the theft, which took place in broad daylight on one of the Mexican capital's most prestigious avenues, Avenida Reforma, CNN en Español reports.

The brazen heist is the latest development in a crime wave that has struck Mexico City in recent months as the security situation deteriorates across the country.

Police say security protocols were not followed.

Two thieves entered the mint, taking a security guard's gun and throwing him to the ground before making off with 1,567 gold coins from the vault, which was left open, police told Reuters.

The "centenario" coins trade for 31,500 pesos ($1,610) each although their face value is just 50 pesos, according to Mexican bank Banorte . This means the booty is worth around $2.5 million in total.

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