Man Arrested In Connection To Several Jewelry Store Thefts: Cops

ORLAND PARK, IL — A serial jewel thief wanted in connection with multiple jewelry store thefts across the south suburbs was arrested last month, Orland Park police told Patch.

Aaron Hicks, 29, was identified as the man who stole a $12,500 necklace from Zevar Jewelers over the summer, police said. After learning of Hicks' method, authorities said they were able to compare case notes with other nearby police departments and learned of "several" other thefts in which the Chicago man was possibly connected.

According to a statement from Orland Park police, Hicks visited the Orland Square Mall jewelry store two times before he attempted to take the necklace. Each time, the store worker told officials they showed Hicks the necklace, answered questions about the item and then put the item away before Hicks would leave.

On the third time visiting the store, police said Hicks asked to see the necklace again and when he was handed the item, put it on and ran away before fleeing the mall. The store employee said Hicks gave a name and number before holding the necklace, as is required, but later learned both were fake.

Orland Park police coordinated with local departments to discuss evidence the chain of jewelry thefts and told Patch they discovered Norridge police had "significant evidence" which aided authorities in identifying Aaron Hicks.

Later, detectives said they found the $12,500 necklace was sold illegally for a portion of the original price. Chicago police arrested Hicks on Dec. 24 in connected to an unrelated domestic disturbance call.

Hicks will be in court on Jan. 12 and is facing one charge of felony theft.