Thieves use sledgehammers to smash display cases in brazen daytime theft at Westport jewelry store
Police say employees at the store reported that two individuals wearing masks and gloves entered with sledgehammers and began smashing display cases.
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Dramatic video from a security camera shows two masked men with sledgehammers smashing display cases at a jewelry store in downtown Westport and stealing what’s inside. Police released the footage as they investigate Thursday’s theft at Lux Bond & Green on Main Street. Just over $100,000 worth of high-end watches were taken, according to Lt. Eric Woods.
The duo wore ski masks, gloves and long-sleeved clothing and were in and out of the store in just 30 seconds. But what’s perhaps more jarring than the crime itself was when it happened, just after 3 p.m. during normal business hours.
“I think there was one customer, and I believe there were four employees that were in there. They retreated towards the back of the store,” Woods told News 12, adding there was no interaction between the thieves and anyone else. “They did the right thing by getting out of the way, moving to the back of the store and keeping themselves safe.”
One day later, Lux Bond & Green was open, seemingly back to business as usual, but the theft was still a topic of conversation downtown.
“Quite frankly, it's shocking, especially the time of day,” said Kevin McGill, who was with his wife as she shopped Friday. “It's remarkable that, you know, some people can be so brazen and get away with it. I mean that's the shame of it all.”
“Just so surprised, in the middle of the afternoon in a town like Westport that this happened,” echoed Alisen Maiola, who frequents Main Street. “My mom has two bracelets there for repair right now. She was just in there Wednesday. She said she was chatting with the staff and they're so friendly. They've been around forever.”
Lux Bond & Green has been in Westport since 1986, according to the company’s website. News 12 reached out to their corporate office for comment but did not hear back yet.
The police department has launched an investigation. The thieves took off in a black BMW sedan and was last seen speeding on I-95 northbound and getting off at exit 25, according to Woods.
“There have been others similar to this around the state, so we're working with other agencies,” Woods said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Westport Police Detective Bureau at 203-341-6080.
