Police Try To Find Owners Of Jewelry Stolen By The 'African Crew'
DENVER (CBS4) - Denver police detectives are trying to track down the owners of hundreds of pieces of stolen jewelry. The jewelry was recovered from Denver metro area pawn shops following the indictment of a large burglary ring where 28 people are accused in the crime.
The crooks stole from more than 50 homes over several years. Prosecutors say the thieves would typically walk the sidewalk to find a home they thought would be loaded with valuables, and throw a rock thru a window to get inside.
Marilyn Shaw lives in the Hilltop neighborhood. She remembers hearing about the burglary ring that police called the African Crew.
"They apparently went around and back and somehow climbed up a window," she points out.
Shaw is pleased to hear detectives are now working to reunite the stolen jewelry to its owners, even posting an update to the social media site NextDoor.
Police are encouraging victims to call with a description of their stolen items.
Kim Essex says her home was burglarized in the middle of the day. She's one of more than 50 people targeted by one of the most elaborate burglary rings that prosecutors have seen.
"My husband came home and saw the back door broken and called the police," said Essex. "But it was too late."
Prosecutors say the burglary ring worked that area for about two years and stole more than $400,000 in personal property.
Jennifer Brice is a reporter with CBS4 focusing on crime and courts. Follow her on Facebook or on Twitter @CBS4Jenn.
