Novi Store Falls Victim to Jewelry Theft in Broad-Daylight Scheme
Novi, Michigan – In a brazen act of theft, a group of skilled criminals made off with approximately $20,000 worth of gold and diamond jewelry from a local pawn shop, Gold Buy and Jewelry, on Saturday. The entire incident was captured on the store’s security cameras, revealing a well-planned scheme that unfolded in less than ten minutes.
Details of the Incident
The theft occurred around 3 p.m. when a couple first entered the store and began engaging a lone employee in conversation. Joe Haddad, the owner of the store, described them as well-dressed individuals who did not appear to be out of place.
“They didn’t look like criminals; they were well-dressed, and they had their scheme planned out,” Haddad said. “They were asking for some things on the bottom shelf,” he added, leading the employee to focus on their questions.
Distraction Tactics in Play
As the employee was distracted, three more accomplices slipped into the store. “Five people here at once, and that was their strategy,” Haddad emphasized. While the staff member was preoccupied with the couple, one of the thieves quickly slid open a jewelry case and lifted a full tray containing valuable diamond and gold rings.
“The tray was worth around $20,000. They are good at what they do,” Haddad noted, expressing his disbelief at how fast and efficiently the criminals operated.
Quick Getaway
The alarming moment came when one of the thieves asked the employee about his ring size. As Haddad reached for the ring sizer, he unwittingly gave the suspects the opportunity they were waiting for. By the time he turned back around, they had disappeared.
Once the thieves exited the store, it was unclear whether they got into a vehicle or simply walked away. “They were in and out in a matter of ten minutes,” Haddad remarked.
A Shocking Discovery
It wasn’t until later in the day, while closing up shop, that the employee discovered the empty jewelry tray. “He noticed the tray was empty and he said, ‘Oh my God, they took the tray,'” said Haddad, recounting the shocking moment when they realized they had been robbed.
Investigation Underway
The Novi police are currently investigating the incident and reviewing the security footage for clues. They hope that the public may recognize the individuals involved. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Novi police at (248) 348-7100.
Community Impact
Haddad expressed his frustrations about the crime but also acknowledged the challenges faced by many small businesses in protecting themselves from sophisticated thieves. The incident has caused unrest in the Novi community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and security for local shops.
This theft serves as a reminder of the need for small business owners and the community to remain alert to suspicious behavior and report it to local law enforcement immediately. As investigations continue, shop owners in the area are encouraged to review their security measures to better protect themselves against similar incidents in the future.
