New York City police are searching for three women suspected of being part of a distraction gang that targeted a string of jewelry boutiques in Manhattan and Brooklyn in March. According to CBS New York, the trio stole more than $41,000 of jewelry during a single afternoon on March 9. The spree began at around 2 p.m. at Catbird in SoHo, where two suspects distracted an employee while a third removed $31,000 worth of jewelry from an unlocked display. The three allegedly utilized the same tactic later that evening at a second Catbird location and a Gorjana storefront in Williamsburg, making off with an additional $10,500 in merchandise. News 12 reports the group may have attempted another theft in Williamsburg on March 17, but a vigilant shop owner recognized the suspects and prevented the crime. Police have released surveillance images and are asking for the public’s assistance.
Video Shows Sledgehammer Assault on High-End London Store, Thieves Escaping in a Jaguar
Recently released surveillance footage shows masked robbers using sledgehammers to shatter the windows of a high-end London jeweler. The New York Post reports the “wild” video captures two men raiding Suttons & Robertsons before fleeing in a Jaguar. The footage was made public after seven gang members were sentenced to a combined 22 years for a $130,000 “smash-and-grab” spree targeting seven different stores in the UK. One suspect was on parole for murder at the time.
Foiled FB Marketplace Heist Prompts Police Warning
An 18-year-old man was arrested in Cape Coral, FL, after attempting to steal $15,000 in gold jewelry during a Facebook Marketplace exchange, according to Gulf Coast News. The incident, which ended with the victim tackling the suspect, Jayden Everett, prompted the Cape Coral Police Department to issue a safety warning regarding online sales. Authorities urge the public to avoid meeting at private residences and instead utilize public locations or police station parking lots to mitigate the inherent dangers of these transactions.
