Having owned a jewelry business for more than two decades, Kurt Van Peterson knew the risks of working with such valuable merchandise. But he never expected to have about $1 million worth swiped in one heist.
"It's a gut-wrenching feeling after 23 years to find out that everything you have is gone," Mr. Van Peterson said.
Burglars apparently climbed up an air conditioning duct last month and then down from a roof into VanPeterson Fine Jewelers in the 2200 block of North Story Road in Irving.
The burglary is part of a rash of jewelry store heists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, industry experts say.
Kent McClenahan, who has been working in jewelry-business insurance for 25 years, said he's not sure what's behind the spate of burglaries.
"In the first 23 [years], there haven't been 10 successful burglaries," said Mr. McClenahan, an independent agent with Sleeper Sewell Insurance Services Inc.
He said he is aware of 17 attempts and six successful burglaries recently in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Waco areas.
"I think there are at least two separate groups, based on physical descriptions, police reports and what one group does and another group doesn't."
Some suggest the burglars are experienced criminals who are getting more sophisticated with their techniques and equipment. Often they work in groups and are well-orchestrated.
"They're very polished," Mr. McClenahan said of the recent Dallas-Fort Worth cases.
In the VanPeterson heist, burglars cut the phone lines, the alarm, the backup alarm and security cameras, then drilled a large hole in the safe.
Mr. Van Peterson said business owners are now rethinking their security strategy.
He is offering a $100,000 reward to whoever can lead him to his merchandise. In the meantime, he said, he must move on from the loss.
"It's a matter of getting up, rebuilding and starting over," he said.
Source: dallasnews
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