A popular jewelry store, frequented by celebrities like Nicky Minaj and Usher, was the victim of a million-dollar robbery.
Around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, two men entered the establishment located at 3 West 47th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in the Diamond District.
The theft has shocked the area’s jeweler community.
“I don’t feel safe because it’s the same as us and that can happen to us too. And you don’t want something like this to happen to us or to those who are on par as well,” said Ayelet Gron.
The subjects pretended to be carrying firearms and pointed them at their victim, a 33-year-old man.
The robbers stole jewelry with a total value of approximately one million dollars.
The authorities reported that after the robbery the thieves fled aboard a black Mercedes.
“Many cases happen, not just this one. Too many cases of assaults and security is not so good, no,” said Carmen Naranjo.
“It is one of the safest avenues in the world because Diamond Street is here. Imagine, you’re not sure anywhere,” Byron Vintimilla said. “You have to be more careful than what happens during these Christmas season hours.”
Speaking on condition of anonymity, police sources indicated that multiple pieces of jewelry were stolen, it is not yet clear if they included a chain valued at $1 million alone.
The thieves, according to the police, forced entry and, although they pretended to have weapons with them, they did not physically show any. Therefore, authorities are still not sure whether the assailants were carrying real weapons or not.
After this robbery, workers in the area say they are more alert, however, they also ask for more surveillance by the police.
“You just have to be more aware of everything,” said Iván Verás.
“I hope security improves, we pay a lot of taxes especially in this block. I hope they put security higher so it doesn’t happen again,” Gron added.
The investigation is ongoing and authorities are working to identify those responsible for the theft.
2023-12-09 00:03:00
#Jewelry #store #robbery #Manhattan #million #dollar #jewelry #stolen
