ST. GEORGE, Utah - A jewelry store thief in St. George got away with less than what he expected this week. What he thought was $10,000 ring, turned out to be a fake.
St. George police said it happened on Monday. A man entered JK Jewelers, and after asking to looking at a ring, took off out the door with it. Jewelry store owner Kristy Goodrich said she couldn’t help but laugh, because the ring was just a display piece, worth about $40.
“Their intent obviously was to get away with some expensive jewelry,” said St. George Police Department Sgt. Sam Despain. “Somebody we want to hold responsible for this, And there’s a good chance they may try and do this again.”
Goodrich said she had suspicions when the man first entered the store, and began making mental notes of height, build, and of several tattoos. Her suspicions proved correct. Goodrich checked with other local jewelry stores, who also reported seeing the same man case their stores. Multiple surveillance cameras caught the man and his accomplice at different times.
“Having them actually choose that ring to flee with was delightful in my opinion,” said McArthur Jewelers owner Tom McArthur.
He explained having a faux ring in the display cabinet is a common practice, and while it’s not specifically an anti-theft measure, it certainly came into play here.
“One of the things we try and do to have better selection is to create sometimes models in ways that are less expensive,” McArthur said.
The suspect who took the ring is described as a white male about 5-feet 10-inches tall. He has several tattoos, including one on his neck that says “Jessica” and a large capital “Y” on his forearm. He also has the words “DRUG FREE” tattooed on his knuckles.
The accomplice is described as a white, heavy-set male with a brown or black beard.
The crime is considered misdemeanor retail theft, but police say because there was a greater intent, they’re hoping to identify the two men. Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. George police at 435-627-4300.
