Grab and run thief hits jewelers in Atlanta metro area

By JCK Online Staff -- JCK Online, 10/7/2006 7:54:00 PM

The Jewelers' Security Alliance has issued a warning to jewelers in the Atlanta metro area concerning a recent rash of grab and run jewelry thefts.

Police report that a grab and run thief has used the same method of operation recently against several retail jewelry stores in the Atlanta area. The suspect calls ahead to retail stores and says that he wishes to see large diamonds, specifically those above 2 or 3 cts. The suspect asks about color and clarity and seems knowledgeable. Later that day the suspect goes to the store and waits for the sales associate to display the merchandise. The suspect then grabs the merchandise and flees.

On Oct. 2 in Buford, Ga., the suspect reportedly fled with a two-ct. diamond ring and a pair of ½-ct. diamond earrings from a mall location. Police report that the suspect's most recent thefts using the same method happened in Snellville, Ga., on Sept. 29 in Lawrenceville, Ga., on Sept. 24, and in Dunwoody, Ga. At times the suspect has talked on his cell phone while in a store.

The suspect is described as a well-dressed black male, medium complexion, 6-ft. 2-in. to 6-ft. 4-in. tall with a slim build, and a goatee. In the 9/29 theft the suspect escaped in a gray or silver later model Chevrolet, possibly a Lumina, with a Michigan license plate. According to police, he has also been seen using a gray Toyota Camry and a maroon Ford Crown Victoria.