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Surveillance Video Shows Insane Smash-And-Grab Of Estimated $100,000 At Florida Jewelry Store
Police want help identifying the suspects. Can you tell who they are from the video?
It only takes a minute.
Two people in matching hooded sweatshirts, black pants and shoes storm into a jewelry store and perform a symphony-like smash-and-grab operation. They're frantic but methodical, snatching a covering off the glass cases before smashing them, grabbing whatever they can and stuffing the loot into backpacks.
The whole operation was captured by the store's surveillance camera, and Florida police released the video in hopes of catching the pair they think is responsible. According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the suspects got away with up between $50,000 to $100,000 in jewelry and rare coins. They forced open the back door of the Estate Coin and Jewelry Galleria at around 1 a.m. on March 29. The store is located in Sarasota, on the west coast of Florida.
The Tribune reported that the day before, a couple came into a nearby store. Other jewelry store owners said the suspects came into their stores as well, and scoped things out. Police released footage of the couple entering another store. A woman in sunglasses, wearing a tight white shirt and white sneakers is with a man in a polo shirt.
The female suspect had a long braid in her hair, similar to one seen on the burglars.
That key piece of information helped police to link the couple to the break-in, and they spliced the videos together.
Sarasota police told WTSP News they think the crime is the work of pros.
“We have reason to believe they are professionals their mannerisms when they go in," Sarasota Police Spokesperson Genevieve Judge told the station. "They’re dressed, hands are covered, hoods over their heads to try and disguise themselves, they hide themselves and they knew what they were going for; they'd been there the day before to get familiar with the business.”
An employee at the store recalled seeing the couple the day before the break-in. She told WTSP they didn't act like a normal couple.
“They were looking for something specific in a specific price and wore sunglasses," the employee said. "Usually people don’t wear sunglasses, especially with jewelry.”
If you recognize the couple, reach out the Sarasota Police.
[Photo: Sarasota Police Department]
