VIDEO: Collingwood Jewelry Store Hit for Second Time by Thieves

For the second time in less than six months a jewelry store at the Collingwood Auction & Flea Market has been the victim of a theft of tens of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.

On Jan. 15 the Howell Police Department reported that Lila's Jewelry booth had rings for men and women stolen with a total estimated value of $35 thousand. In the attached video surveillance Det. Janet Benitez of the department said the suspect is described as a black male approximately six feet tall with a beard and glasses. He was described at the time as wearing a white or light blue collared shirt, a blue knit cap and jeans.

Benitez said the suspect went behind the counter and removed a black case from an unlocked safe while another man distracted the owner. A similar event occurred on Aug. 6, 2011 when a black male is alleged to have distracted the owner while another male removed 30 gold bracelets from the display case. The bracelets had an estimated value of $30 thousand. 

In the most recent incident Benitez said the owner of the booth was preparing to close for the day which is why the safe was open. "She was in there long enough where they went in twice," she said.

Lila's jewelry, she said has had a location at the auction for 40 years and has what Benitez described as a "very large booth area in the center. She was also the victim of a theft in 2005 when $10 thousand worth of merchandise was taken, but that is not believed to be related to these two more recent incidents.

In the past Benitez said there had been security at the location but in recent years that has been eliminated. The security cameras were installed recently to help with any future problems.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Benitez at 732-938-4575 ext. 2885.