It only took 30 seconds for the men to smash their way into a jewelry store case and get away with nearly a million dollars worth of watches.
But it’s what they left behind that might lead to their capture, Atlanta police said Monday.
One of the sledgehammers was left on the floor of Mayors Jewelry during the smash-and-grab Friday night at Lenox Square. Within minutes of the heist, the alleged getaway van was located, along with three of the Rolex watches, according to an incident report obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
There were footprints and personal items found inside the white 2013 Dodge Caravan, stolen from Michigan, according to police. Investigators hope the clothing left inside will offer DNA clues.
But police hope surveillance footage from inside the store answers the biggest question: Who are these guys?
Investigators believe five men entered the store and one was outside, serving as a lookout.
“They spread out around an island in the middle of the store,” Atlanta Police Sgt. Greg Lyon said Monday. “Then they converged on the high-end counter, where some watches cost $100,000.”
Based on witnesses and security footage, police released six descriptions of suspects, all black males.
Suspect 1: He weighed about 230 pounds and was wearing black pants with a black Polo shirt and dark sunglasses.
Suspect 2: He weighed about 260 pounds, was wearing a long-sleeve shirt with the “ON94” logo on the front, dark jeans, a hat and white tennis shoes.
Suspect 3: He was wearing a white T-shirt, grey sweatpants with a purple stripe, and his hair appeared to be a in a twist style.
Suspect 4: He was thin and wore a red baseball hat, red T-shirt, dark jeans and red shoes.
Suspect 5: He weighed about 190 pounds and wore a white hat, dark jeans, sunglasses and had short hair.
Suspect 6: He wore black shorts, a tank top with white and red stripes, a red hat, a watch and white and black shoes.
Less than two miles away from the mall, a resident of Rockhaven Circle reported a suspicious vehicle, leading police to the Dodge. Other residents reported seeing men get inside a dark-colored SUV.
Any information on the case can be submitted anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477; www.crimestoppersatlanta.org or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). People giving information leading to the arrest and indictment of suspects can be eleigible for up to $2,000 in reward.
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