Crimes Against Jewelry and Loans/Pawnshops |
TWO ROBBERS OF PAWN SHOP ARRESTED
Charlotte, NC - June 30, 2011
Two male suspects, 21 and 20-years-old, entered a pawn shop with a rolling suitcase, pulled out a handgun, and ordered the employees to the floor. The suspects pistol-whipped one of he employees and tied the employees up on the floor. While the suspects were removing jewelry from the showcases, someone in a neighboring business called the police, who responded to the scene. The police were able to see into the pawn shop and caught the suspects after a brief chase. The suspects were charged with armed robbery, conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon and possession of firearm by a convicted felon.
COMMENT: Cooperation by local business owners on issues of security can have a big payoff. In this case a call to police from a neighboring business resulted in two arrests. |
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BURGLARS BREAK THROUGH WALL
Asheville, NC - June 12, 2011
On a Sunday morning two male suspects used a saw to cut through the outer wall of a pawn shop, and then used a sledgehammer to break through an inner wall. The burglars then smashed glass showcases and put jewelry into a backpack. The burglars were in the store for seconds. There have been several other similar burglaries in the area, including one in Hickory, NC on March 31, 2011, and a burglary of a Waynesville, NC jewelry store in May.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Jewelry merchandise should be placed in a safe overnight. Leaving out jewelry merchandise in showcases leaves the items vulnerable to burglars.
2. There are an increasing number of burglaries from adjacent premises, from rooftops, and from breaking through walls. It is essential to have adequate alarm protection for the entire premises. |
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COUPLE ARRESTED AFTER TRYING TO STEAL TRAY OF JEWELRY
Sparta, TN - June 27, 2011
A male suspect, who was in a pawn shop with a female suspect, attempted to take a tray of jewelry from behind the counter, and was attempting to put the merchandise in the female suspect's purse. When the owner noticed it and confronted them, the couple dropped the merchandise and fled the store. A description of the couple and their vehicle was given to surrounding law enforcement agencies. The couple were identified and the vehicle was located near the residence of one of the suspect's mother. The suspects were arrested and taken into custody. |
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BURGLAR USES BACKHOE TO BREAK INTO PAWN SHOP
Fort Smith, AR - June 15, 2011
At 4:30 a.m. a burglar used a backhoe to break open the doors of a pawn shop. The burglar took gold and silver rings worth an estimated $50,000. Although an alarm sounded, the burglar was gone by the time police arrived.
RECOMMENDATION: Jewelry should be placed in a safe overnight to prevent burglars from having easy access to valuable items. |
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