$30K Stolen In Jewelry Store Break-In, New Lenox PD Exploring Leads

NEW LENOX, IL — Police continue to investigate, days after two suspects broke into a New Lenox jewelry store, then using an ax to shatter display cases and make off with an estimated $30,000 in goods.

The burglary happened before 5 a.m. May 30, at Zembar Jewelers, 2457 E. Joliet Highway.

"Absolutely devastated this morning," the store's owners shared on social media. "We cannot even believe that someone would have the guts to break into our store!"

New Lenox Police Chief Louis Alessandrini said police are following up on evidence collected at the scene, and are using video surveillance images from inside the store.

Police were first called to the store when motion was detected at the rear of the building. Police found the front door still locked, and spotted smashed glass cases inside, Alessandrini said. Initial images show two male suspects involved in the heist; Alessandrini said police are unclear if there were any other suspects involved who might not have entered the store.

The suspects wore gloves, masks and hoods, he added. Police were unable to determine race from initial images.

It's the second jewelry store break-in in New Lenox in recent months, Alessandrini noted. In early-March, burglars hit Cornerstone Jewelry, 1876 E. Lincoln Highway. In that incident, three suspects stole an unknown amount of items from the store, after smashing through the front door with a brick just after midnight. The three fled the store to a waiting getaway car, with a fourth suspect behind the wheel.

Police continue to investigate that incident.

It is not believed the two are related, Alessandrini said.