SURVEILLANCE: $27K in jewelry stolen in Rock Hill smash and grab

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Police said it took two thieves just over a minute to smash their way into a Rock Hill jewelry store and steal thousands of dollars’ worth of valuables.

IMAGES: Rock Hill jewelry store theft

Rock Hill police were two minutes behind the men shown in surveillance video. They tripped the alarm as they smashed through the front door, then used a hammer to strike the glass cases. They got away with $27,000 worth of watches and birthstone rings.

"We don't feel threatened here, never have," said Linda Gordon.

Gordon owns Norman Hege Jewelers on Herlong Avenue. The store has been in the same spot for 26 years with no problems until Tuesday night. The men who broke in were wearing all black clothing, including gloves and masks.

"We did exactly what we were supposed to do," Gordon said. "We locked up and turned the alarm on, you know? You don't know what people are going to do."

Dogs tracked the men behind a Food Lion shopping center where the store is, but lost the scent there.

Gordon showed Channel 9 where one suspect struck three other glass cases with a hammer, but did not break them.

Police have released surveillance photos of the crime but have not made any arrests.