Aurora police look for clues in gold, jewelry heist

Aurora police believe the thieves responsible for a large heist on the city's west side in late June knew exactly what they were looking for.

Intruders broke into a home in the 300 block of Sunset Avenue sometime between 4:30 p.m. June 27 and 8 p.m. June 28, police said. After disarming the alarm system, the thieves took about $150,000 worth of items, including cash, rare coins, jewelry and gold bars.

"It would be a very reasonable assumption, based on the items taken from the home, that the residence was targeted by someone with knowledge of the home's contents," police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said. "And there were definitely signs of forced entry."

Police have been unsuccessful in cultivating any solid leads but Ferrelli said they're hoping someone may have either heard the criminals talking about the heist, or taken note of the stolen items turning up at local pawn shops.

"These days, it's also important to monitor the Internet for the potential resale of stolen goods, so we're monitoring that, too," he said

Anyone with information is asked to call Aurora police at (630) 801-6655 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000. Callers to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to any arrests.