Shops Selling Indian Jewelry Targeted by Window-Smashing Burglar

News release from the Laguna Beach Police Department:

Over the last three months, five commercial burglaries have targeted businesses selling Indian jewelry. The crimes have all occurred during the early morning hours between midnight and 5 a.m.  The suspect uses a rock to shatter the front window before entering the store and clearing out the display cases.  Since December of 2011, the following businesses have been victimized:

1) December 29, 2011: at 305 N. Coast Highway - The suspect entered the business through a broken window and stole $3,000 worth of Indian jewelry which included Navajo coins and turquoise necklaces.

2) January 22, 2012: Indian Territory: The suspect broke a window and stole $15,000 worth of jewelry from display cases.  The items consisted of a Navajo collector’s set which included 11 concha coral medallions.

3) January 30, 2012: at 976 S. Coast Highway - The suspect shattered the front window and stole a large amount of jewelry from a display case.  He exited through the same window in which he entered, and dropped several pieces of jewelry on the street.  The dollar loss is not available at this time.

4) February 29, 2012: at 332 Forest Avenue - A window was broken so that the suspect could enter the business and steal $10,000 worth of jewelry and stones.

5) March 10, 2012: Kokpelli Gallery - The front window was shattered with a rock and the suspect stole $3,500 worth of jewelry within 30 seconds.  He fled through an adjacent office building and was possibly parked on Ocean Avenue.  He is seen wearing a dark jacket, white baseball hat and sweat pants with white striping on the sides.  Video surveillance captured the burglary.

Click the video above to watch the March 10 burglary.

For further information, please contact Lt. Jason Kravetz at 949-497-0307, or via email at jkravetz@lagunabeachcity.net.