Subject sought in distraction theft of Sapphire Ring

Brentwood, TN – July 2, 2024 – At approximately 4:00 p.m., on the date listed, a jewelry store was the victim of a distraction theft. It was discovered that a ring was missing during inventory counts. The employees recalled a suspicious male in the store the day prior handling the ring above. The subject was in the store for approximately 25 minutes as he walked throughout the store looking at various pieces from multiple showcases. While at the showcase containing high-end watches, the subject asked to see multiple watches.

He tried giving an ID along with a wad of cash for the employee to hold while he inspected the watch. Only one piece was shown at a time. The subject then proceeded to the clearance case and asked to see several different ladies’ rings. The subject was given the above blue sapphire ring to inspect. While in his possession, he was on the phone with a female that was also speaking with the employee. The subject asked to see other pieces in showcase. During this time, he was able to distract the employee and pocket the sapphire ring before leaving the store. A report was filed with Nashville Police for further investigation.

Suspect(s) Description: Male, possibly Middle Eastern, 19-24 years old, 5’6”, 170lbs, stocky, slight goatee, short dark hair with blonde highlights and spoke with an accent. Wearing a dark blue t-shirt, grey shorts and brown shoes with white trim.

If you have any information regarding this individual who committed this crime, please contact the Jewelers Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

Recommendations: Jewelers and their employees should remember to be alert and be mindful to the various distraction techniques used by criminals to include, but not limited to use of a cell phone during showing, multiple people speaking at once, and attempts for employee to show more than one item at a time.

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