Police believe antique mall robbery linked to 4 other thefts

STATESVILLE, N.C. — Statesville police are still looking for five people accused of robbing an antique mall.

Police believe that the crime, which happened in April, could be linked to other robberies around town and in other states.

About $30,000 of jewelry was stolen from one business. They're items you can't find at a regular retailer.

Resettlers Antique Mall has everything from rare collectables to expensive jewelry for venders who let the store sell the items for them.

After a recent theft at the store, the owner worried business could be in jeopardy when vendors started pulling their items out.

"He took all of his really handsome items out of the showcase. He took them home. He'll find another venue of getting rid of it," said Linda Sly, who works at the mall.

Sly was working when four people caught on surveillance video stole more than $30,000 worth of jewelry. Sly says it was two couples, one who distracted her while the other stole the items.

Police said another person was outside in a getaway car.

Since then, the owner of the antique mall has taken extra security measures to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"We've upgraded our security cameras. We have second locks on the cases," Sly said.

All expensive items are locked away. Police said the group could be responsible for two other robberies around town -- one at Gregory jewelers, another at Statesville Jewelry and Loan -- and two out of state.

"With the information we're getting now from Pennsylvania and Maryland, it's highly unlikely they're local," said Statesville Police Capt. Bryan Johnson.

Police believe the thieves could be targeting business off of the interstate. They're hoping anyone who recognizes them in surveillance pictures will call and help lead to an arrest.

WSOC