By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Second Nanaimo jewelry store robbed by crime duo

Apr 4, 2017 | 3:35 PM

NANAIMO — Another Nanaimo jewelry store was robbed by a travelling crew of criminals possibly from the Lower Mainland.

According to Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien, a local store reported the theft of a $7,000 gold chain over the weekend after reviewing their inventory. Their surveillance tapes showed the chain had been stolen on Feb. 15, the same day two men pulled a similar heist on a North Nanaimo store.

O’Brien confirmed it was the same duo both times.

The alleged suspects pulled off what’s known as a “distraction theft,” where one person distracts the clerk while the other pockets the expensive item. They then left without buying anything.

O’Brien said all jewelry stores in the Nanaimo area are now on high alert.

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“All jewelry stores have received the press release, they’re aware of these two who were in town Feb. 15 and they’re reviewing their surveillance video to see if any items were stolen.”

Unfortunately, thefts of this type are relatively common, according to O’Brien. He said they’ll often see small travelling groups of criminals, usually a pair or three, enter a store and pocket as many items as they can.

“If a customer is striking up a conversation when there’s other people in the store, also keep an eye on them as well,” O’Brien warned.

The first suspect is described as white, between 35 and 40 with a thin beard, while the second is white, roughly 50-years-old, stocky and has a white goatee. Both men had Eastern European accents. Neither is believed to be from Nanaimo. 

If anyone has any information on the Feb. 15 crime spree, they’re urged to call Nanaimo RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

island-news@jpbg.ca

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