Thief Swipes $91K In Jewelry After Hiding Inside Montgomery County Costco
By Jenn Bernstein
MONTGOMERYVILLE, Pa. (CBS) -- Police are searching for a man who stole more than $91,000 worth of jewelry from a Costco early Wednesday morning.
Store surveillance cameras caught the man walking into the store Tuesday evening around 8:15.
Store cameras then captured him aimlessly walking down Costco's aisles, until police say he hid.
"We believe he hid there for over three hours inside the store, until closing, after closing, he emerges from his hiding spot," said Sgt. Joseph Bennis.
Cameras didn't catch his next actions because the store was pitch black, but police say seconds before midnight, he then grabbed a 40-inch television and began his spree. He shattered several jewelry cases and emptied them.
Surveillance cameras did catch his getaway towards the back door. Police say it only took him five minutes after he came out of hiding.
"We're under the impression he thought this out and scoped this out, and knew exactly what he was doing and where to hide," said Sgt. Bennis.
Customers who shop here often were taken aback by the burglar's seemingly patient and plotted plan.
"He had to spend a lot of time, looking at what goes on when the store closes," said John Sherman, from Schalfont.
"Up here we really don't worry about that very much," said John's wife, Mary Sherman.
Police aren't giving details on where he hid, saying the information could compromise their investigation.
If you recognize the man in the surveillance video, you are asked to call Montgomery Township Police at 215-362-2301.
