A brazen thief apologized before using a hammer to smash through a display case, stealing diamond engagement rings from a Hickory jewelry store Saturday.
Police said a helmet that he was wearing may help them track down the thief.
The smash-and-grab happened in broad daylight at Bisanar Jewelers. Police said the thief was in and out in less than a minute.
SURVEILLANCE PHOTOS: Motorcycle rider steals jewelry in smash-and-grab robbery
Police said the thief was on a motorcycle and never turned off his bike before he went inside and stole Simon diamond engagement rings from a display case.
“I heard the motorcycle and I was like, ‘What the heck is he doing up on the sidewalk,’” said witness Betty Mahoney, who works nearby.
He even apologized before pulling out a hammer and hitting the glass, police said.
Police said the motorcycle took off down the sidewalk in front of the stores on Union Square.
They are hoping someone will recognize the rider by his distinct multi-colored helmet that has either a ghost or a skull on the side.
Police said the black motorcycle also had a noticeable blue cap on the end of the muffler.
Hickory police searching for smash-and-grab jewelry thief
Other businesses in the area hope the thief is caught before someone gets hurt.
“All of the sudden you see the motorcycle shoot straight pass the store and I thought how stupid and dangerous is that with customers coming in and out of the store afraid one of our older customers gets hit or clipped,” said employee Christine Hurdt.
Investigators told Channel 9 they are also checking the dozens of police surveillance cameras in the downtown area, hoping to get an idea what kind of motorcycle the thief has.
Anyone with information about this crime you are urged to call Hickory police.
Police said a helmet that he was wearing may help them track down the thief.
The smash-and-grab happened in broad daylight at Bisanar Jewelers. Police said the thief was in and out in less than a minute.
SURVEILLANCE PHOTOS: Motorcycle rider steals jewelry in smash-and-grab robbery
Police said the thief was on a motorcycle and never turned off his bike before he went inside and stole Simon diamond engagement rings from a display case.
“I heard the motorcycle and I was like, ‘What the heck is he doing up on the sidewalk,’” said witness Betty Mahoney, who works nearby.
He even apologized before pulling out a hammer and hitting the glass, police said.
Police said the motorcycle took off down the sidewalk in front of the stores on Union Square.
They are hoping someone will recognize the rider by his distinct multi-colored helmet that has either a ghost or a skull on the side.
Police said the black motorcycle also had a noticeable blue cap on the end of the muffler.
Hickory police searching for smash-and-grab jewelry thief
Other businesses in the area hope the thief is caught before someone gets hurt.
“All of the sudden you see the motorcycle shoot straight pass the store and I thought how stupid and dangerous is that with customers coming in and out of the store afraid one of our older customers gets hit or clipped,” said employee Christine Hurdt.
Investigators told Channel 9 they are also checking the dozens of police surveillance cameras in the downtown area, hoping to get an idea what kind of motorcycle the thief has.
Anyone with information about this crime you are urged to call Hickory police.
WSOC
