PORTSMOUTH — An employee of Bellman Jewelers, which was recently robbed of $1 million in jewelry, told a police dispatcher the door was unlocked and the alarm system deactivated, according to a recent Portsmouth police log.
More than $1 million in jewelry was stolen from Bellman Jewelers sometime between Saturday night and Tuesday morning in what police are saying is one of the largest burglaries in the area in the last 10 years.
The store at 104 Congress St. was closed Sunday and Monday, but an employee opening the store Tuesday morning called police to report the burglary at 9:53 a.m.
Police have not released any information regarding the presence of surveillance on the property at this time.
A Portsmouth Crime Scene van and cruiser were on the street in front of the jewelry store throughout the morning and afternoon Tuesday.
Portsmouth Detective Capt. Corey MacDonald said Tuesday detectives trained in fingerprinting and DNA were collecting evidence inside the store. Officers were also interviewing possible witnesses in the area.
A press release from police issued at the time of the discovery described the circumstances as "suspicious," and police determined a burglary had taken place after conducting an initial search.
Attempts to reach MacDonald Thursday were unsuccessful.
The public is encouraged to come forward with any information related to the incident or suspicious activity witnessed around the building.
To give an anonymous tip, call Seacoast Crime Stoppers at 431-1199, text to CRIMES (274637) and include TIPSCS in the message, or visit the Seacoast Crime Stoppers website. Information leading to an arrest and indictment is eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
More than $1 million in jewelry was stolen from Bellman Jewelers sometime between Saturday night and Tuesday morning in what police are saying is one of the largest burglaries in the area in the last 10 years.
The store at 104 Congress St. was closed Sunday and Monday, but an employee opening the store Tuesday morning called police to report the burglary at 9:53 a.m.
Police have not released any information regarding the presence of surveillance on the property at this time.
A Portsmouth Crime Scene van and cruiser were on the street in front of the jewelry store throughout the morning and afternoon Tuesday.
Portsmouth Detective Capt. Corey MacDonald said Tuesday detectives trained in fingerprinting and DNA were collecting evidence inside the store. Officers were also interviewing possible witnesses in the area.
A press release from police issued at the time of the discovery described the circumstances as "suspicious," and police determined a burglary had taken place after conducting an initial search.
Attempts to reach MacDonald Thursday were unsuccessful.
The public is encouraged to come forward with any information related to the incident or suspicious activity witnessed around the building.
To give an anonymous tip, call Seacoast Crime Stoppers at 431-1199, text to CRIMES (274637) and include TIPSCS in the message, or visit the Seacoast Crime Stoppers website. Information leading to an arrest and indictment is eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
