$7,000 Necklace Stolen - Distracted Clerk

The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating a distraction theft in which two males managed to preoccupy a Nanaimo jewelry store clerk long enough to pocket a gold chain necklace valued at over $7000. The incident occurred at approximately 1 pm on Wednesday February 15th, at a jewelry store located in the Woodgrove Centre.

The theft was only recently realized after employees completed an inventory check, then reviewed store video surveillance. This was the second distraction theft that occurred in Nanaimo on February 15th. The other occurred at a north end jewelry store and it appears, based on the description provided these males are responsible for at least two thefts.

Video surveillance showed the males entering the business and asking the clerk to open the display case which contained various gold chains. One male tried on a necklace while the other, shorter with a grey goatee, selected two other chains. While the clerk was pre-occupied, the second male deftly dropped one of the necklaces into his hand then casually placed the gold chain into his pants pocket. Both males left the store shortly thereafter without making a purchase.

The two suspects spoke to each other in a strong Eastern European accents and English to the attending clerk.

Suspect # 1

• white male, 35-40 years old
• thin beard and moustache
• dark coloured outback hat ,dark clothing
• Eastern European accent

Suspect #2 

• white male , 50's with a white goatee
• dark baseball cap, dark jacket, blue jeans
• short stocky
• Eastern European accent

If you have information on this crime, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. If you wish to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or call 1-800-222-8477.