Some local jewelry thieves have struck again. Over the last 18 months there have been a series of high-dollar burglaries and attempted burglaries in at least five different North Texas cities. Store owners say they've had enough and are now getting involved in the investigation.

Empty jewelry cases are what Kurt Van Peterson is left with after thieves burglarized his Irving business - Van Peterson Jewelry in the 2200-block of North Story Road. "We've been here 23 years and now all of a sudden it's like everything's gone," Van Peterson said. The store owner told CBS 11 News that the thieves who stole from him knew exactly what they were doing.

The burglars made off with between one and two million dollars worth of watches, diamonds, and pearls. Security cameras at the business didn't make a difference since the thieves crawled through the ceiling to get to their treasure. After destroying the alarm system and cutting phone lines they cut a hole through metal and concrete to get inside a safe.

Kent McClenahan, the man who helps insure hundreds of jewelry operations in Texas, says in the last year and a half there have been at least 16 attempted jewelry burglaries. "I think they're very sophisticated. I've never seen anything like it," he said.

Surveillance video from a shop in Dallas clearly shows a thief breaking through a wall and cleaning out several showcases. McClenahan believes part of the reason the thefts have been so numerous and profitable is the lack of communication between city police departments. "All I know is when I'll talk to some police officer in one town and ask him has he heard about the other burglary in another town usually the answer is 'No, I haven't heard about that.

'" Those who have been victimized by this crippling crime just want to see an end to it. Several jewelry vendors have gotten together and are offering a $100,000 reward for the return of stolen merchandise. Anyone with information about the thefts or burglars should call.

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