DISTRACTION THEFT – HICKORY, NC

On 04/16/2021, at approximately 5:10 p.m., a sales associate at a retail jewelry store was helping an older couple that were interested in  looking at diamond solitaire rings. The lady was sitting down while her husband was walking back and forth. He then pointed and asked how much one ring was. He was told the price, he said it was too much and then asked about another ring, when the ring was put back in the case. He was told the price for the next ring and he still said it was too much. That ring was also put away, he then pointed at another ring but from looking at his hand, it appeared like he grabbed another ring while he had access and was holding it. He held his hand in a fist down to his pocket. The sales associate felt like something was amiss, but was not confident enough at that time to accuse the man. He started asking about how much her personal ring cost and tried to distract her to think about something else. She wanted to double check the counts from earlier, and as she was going to get the count sheets, he asked if there were any cheaper rings. She told him she would check. She looked at the counts and determined that a ring was missing.

The subject inquired about a store card. He was asked for his driver’s license and his personal information to start a transaction, but he said he did not have it with him and he would be back. He tugged on his wife to hurry up and leave the store. The subjects left and they were observed getting into a light colored Mazda SUV with North Carolina plates. The male subject is Black and in his late 40’s to early 50’s. He had a white moustache. The female is Black and in her late 40’s to mid 50’s. She was last seen with blue and pink nails. If you have any information regarding these subjects, please email the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org .

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