How $185,000 Naperville diamond theft went down

Police have released surveillance footage of three people stealing diamonds from a Naperville jewelry store.

The caper occurred around 11:20 a.m. Aug. 26 at Precious Fine Jewelry on the 2800 block of Showplace Drive near Route 59 and 95th Street.

Authorities say they believe the three individuals were working together when two of the suspects were able to distract the store owner, allowing the third suspect to come away with the jewels.

Approximately 20 diamonds worth about $185,000 were stolen, police said.

It’s been almost two weeks since the heist occurred, but police still haven’t been able to track down the three suspects. That’s why they’re continuing to appeal to the public and this week released the store surveillance footage.

“We are fielding some tips,” said Sgt. Lou Cammiso. “But there’s been no arrests or hot leads we have as of yet.”

Cammiso said a man walked into the store first, about 11:20 a.m., and inquired about purchasing loose diamonds. The store owner showed him about 20 diamonds when one of the female accomplices walked in and started talking to the owner, saying she was looking for a gift for someone.

That’s when police say the store owner put the box of diamonds behind the counter and a second woman walked into the store, pretending to browse around and look at her cellphone. But then she went to the back counter and grabbed the box when the owner wasn’t looking.

The store owner was by himself at the time of the robbery.

The suspects are described as a Hispanic man between 20 and 25 years old standing about 5 feet tall and weighing roughly 150 pounds, and two Hispanic women between 20 and 25 years old, both slightly taller than the man and each weighing about 130 pounds.

Naperville Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (630) 420-6006. Tipsters may remain anonymous.