Local News in Brief : Newport Beach : Robbers Take $360,000 in Diamonds, Jewelry
Striking when there were no customers and just one clerk present, two men robbed an exclusive Newport Center jewelry store of $360,000 in loose diamonds and jewelry Monday afternoon, then disappeared without a trace, police said.
Bob Oakley, spokesman for the Newport Beach Police Department, said one robber was armed with a small handgun.
They entered Carol Klein Jewelers across Newport Center Drive from Fashion Island about 12:40 p.m., ordered the clerk to lie on the floor, then removed jewelry from several showcases, Oakley said.
Among the loot was a box containing 31 unset diamonds. Also taken were rings, bracelets, necklaces, tie tacks and money clips, he said.
“They were in the store 10 minutes tops, probably less,” Oakley said.
Police have been unable to find any witnesses outside the store who saw them, he said.
The clerk, a 23-year-old woman, described both robbers as white, about 30 years old and having brown hair. One wore a neck brace and had brown-stained teeth.
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