Nanaimo Mounties are investigating a theft in which two men allegedly distracted a jewelry store clerk long enough to pocket a gold chain necklace valued at more than $7,000.
According to RCMP, the theft happened at about 1 p.m. Feb. 15, at a jewelry store in Woodgrove Centre, but only came to light recently during a store inventory check.
The discovery prompted employees to review store security video, which showed the suspects enter the business and ask the clerk to open the display case which contained various gold chains.
One suspect tried on a necklace while the other suspect selected two other chains. While the clerk was preoccupied, the second suspect dropped one of the necklaces into his hand and then deposit the chain into his pants pocket.
Police said the two suspects spoke with strong accents in possibly an eastern European language.
Both men left the store shortly after without making a purchase.
This was the second distraction theft to occur in Nanaimo that day. The other occurred at a north-end jewelry store and, based on the descriptions provided to police, RCMP believe the two thefts might be connected.
One suspect is described as a white, 35-40-year-old with a thin beard and moustache. He wore a dark-coloured, outback-style hat and dark clothing.
The second suspect is also Caucasian, in his 50s with a short, stocky build with a white goatee and wearing a dark baseball cap, dark jacket and blue jeans.
Anyone with information about this crime, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com, text 274637 with keyword Nanaimo or call 1-800-222-8477.