'Mission Impossible'-style heist at New Dorp jewelry store was the ... - SILive.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Facing the uncertainty of a security system thought to be fail-safe, a hefty insurance claim and their own personal safety — only one thing remains certain for the owners of Fortune Jewelers in New Dorp.
Whoever burglarized the family business over the weekend was the real deal.
Dressed in what looked like hazmat suits, black gloves and a head-lamp – possibly for night vision -- two individuals cleared the display cases early Sunday morning and made off with an estimated $100,000 worth of merchandise, police said.
Husband and wife owners Joe and Inna, who declined to give their full names, said Monday they relocated the business to 310 New Dorp Lane about six years ago, after selling jewelry for more than 20 years at the Big Apple Bazaar on Forest Avenue.
They said the move seemed like a good idea at the time.
"And look what happened," said Inna. "We have metal doors, we have cameras, we have everything. And they still get in."
Multi-tiered display cases that span the length of the store were completely emptied Monday, while less expensive items on top of the cases were left untouched. The cash register, which contained about $100, was emptied and a stack of mail had been sifted through.
Gold rosary beads, cross pendants and charm bracelets were among the items stolen, police said.
"It's hard to work in the store because you know someone was here," said Inna. "It's a big hit, mentally and materially."
Police said the burglars entered the rear entrance of a vacant, former business next door, then gained access to the jewelry store at about 3:50 a.m. Sunday.
No arrests had been made as of Monday afternoon, according to an NYPD spokesperson.
