Jewelry stores smash-and-grab victims

COLUMBUS -- At least two suspects are being sought in connection with two early morning smash-and-grab burglaries of two Columbus jewelry stores in as many days.

Burglaries were reported at Riddles Jewelry, 108 24th St., and Crown Jewelry, 3317 21st St., respectively, early Wednesday and this morning. The break-ins both occurred about 3:20 a.m.

“These are smash-and-grab burglaries,’’ Columbus Police Capt. Todd Thalken said today. “The suspects get in quick, grab what they want and get out quick.’’

An assortment of jewelry, primarily gold, was stolen during the burglaries. No estimate of the value of the stolen items was available. Thalken said store personnel lock up the most valuable gems and other jewelry pieces when they close for the night.

He said the suspects gained entry by jimmying the door at Riddles and by smashing the glass door at Crown. Once inside the stores, the captain said the suspects smashed display cases and snatched the jewelry items.

Both stores are equipped with alarm systems, which alert private alarm companies in the event of a break-in. The alarm companies then notified the police department.

Thalken said each of the jewelry stores is also equipped with surveillance cameras. The cameras at Ridddles didn’t yield any useful information, while the cameras at Crown pictured at least two suspects.

The suspects, wearing stocking masks and layered clothing, were dressed as if they knew they would be on camera, Thalken said. By wearing layered clothing, the suspects could change their appearances in case they are stopped by police officers afterward, he said.

Thalken said the suspects may be what are known as “traveling criminals,’’ thieves who stop in a community, commit a series of crimes in a short period of time and then depart.

“Travelers hit a place and move on,’’ Thalken said. “Interstate towns get hit a lot by those type of criminals.’’