An overnight smash-and-grab at a family-run jewelry store on East Highway 11E in Jefferson City turned a quiet Tuesday into a costly mess, with shattered front glass, two busted display cases, and thousands of dollars in damage. The burglar helped himself to portions of the shop's jewelry cases, walking off with gold, silver and other merchandise.
Surveillance footage released to the public shows a lone, unidentified man strolling up to the storefront on foot at about 1:35 a.m. He smashes the front door glass and forces his way inside around 1:39 a.m., then heads straight for the display cases with a hammer in hand. By roughly 1:42 a.m., he is seen leaving eastbound, according to a reel posted on Facebook by East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers.
What Was Taken And The Tab
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers reports that the overnight hit left fixtures damaged and sections of the display cases cleaned out. The tally for stolen items and repairs is estimated in the thousands of dollars. Among the missing merchandise: gold, silver, and other pieces that had been on display, according to East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers.
Not An Isolated Hit In Tennessee
The Jefferson City burglary fits a pattern that has cropped up across Tennessee, where thieves zero in on jewelry displays during the quietest hours of the night. In December, a crew hit Genesis Diamonds in Brentwood, reportedly breaking in through the roof before emptying cases of jewelry, according to NewsChannel 5 (WTVF).
How Locals Can Help Crack The Case
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about the Jefferson City break-in is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 865-215-7165, texting ETTips to 738477, using the P3 Tips mobile app, or sending an online tip. Information that leads to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward, according to East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers.
