CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Thieves hit a well-known Charlotte jewelry store, stealing three watches worth $40,000.
Lions Jewelers at the posh Phillips Place near SouthPark is posting a $5,00 reward for the return of those Rolex watches.
They were stolen right under the watchful eyes of several clerks on a weekday afternoon last month. Surveillance video shows an ordinary man and woman looking at jewelry. While she asked for several pieces to try on, the man walked around the store, secretly checking to see what he could get his hands on without being noticed.
"Her intent was just to distract the clerk," said Detective Marty Cuthbertson, "and while she talked, he made his rounds, looking and feeling to see if the case was unlocked. You can see him on the video going to the same counter three times and removing three watches."
Once he had the watches in his pocket, he signaled his partner and left the store abruptly. She followed a few minutes later.
Detective Cuthbertson believes this man and woman are professional thieves who acted out a preconceived plan.
If you can help police catch them, call Crimestoppers at (704) 334-1600. There's a $1,000 reward from Crimestoppers and an additional $5,000 from Lions Jewelers if the watches are recovered.
Also, if you want to join Charlotte's crime fighting team, you or your company can make a donation to Charlotte Crimestoppers by PayPal. Follow this link http://www.charlottecrimestoppers.com/donation__membership
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