May 12, 2008 8:30 pm US/Pacific
Gold Thieves Target Calif. JC Penney Stores
SANTA ANA (AP) ―
Only gold glitters for three thieves who have stolen millions in merchandise from California JCPenney stores.
Orange County Sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino says the burglars always target the stores in malls, use a crowbar to get in through an emergency exit and head straight to the fine jewelry department where they only take gold, passing over other more valuable items like diamonds, said Amormino.
The trio might prefer gold because it sells for $1,000 per ounce once it's melted down.
Amormino says the crooks have broken into 10 JCPenney stores across the state since 2006, from the San Diego area to the Bay Area.
They've made off with $2.5 million in gold.
In one night last week the pair hit stores in Laguna Hills and Carlsbad.
Police have released surveillance video in the hopes that someone recognizes one of the perps, even though they are wearing masks.
Monday, JC Penney corporation offered a reward of $20,000 for information that would lead to an arrest in the case.
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