Police: Burglar Used Dumbbell to Rob Jewelry Store

Portsmouth Police are searching for a male burglary suspect who they say broke into a Deer Street jewelry store with a dumbbell that he also used to smash several jewelry cases before he fled the scene.

Portsmouth Police Det. Michael Maloney said police were called to the Chrisrial and Company Jewelers at 28 Deer St. at 4 a.m. on Thursday and police officers found a 30-pound dumbbell that the burglar used to smash the front glass door and several jewelry cases inside the store.

Maloney said the suspect stole an undisclosed amount of jewelry. Portsmouth Police and the State Police K-9 unit then searched the area, but were unable to locate the burglary suspect.

Police released video surveillance images of the suspect that show him entering the business and they recovered the dumbbell that the suspect used to break into the store and jewelry cases. The suspect is described as an adult male with medium height and medium to heavy build who was wearing blue jeans, a dark belt, black boots, a black jacket or sweatshirt with a hood, a dark mask to cover his face and light colored gloves.        

Maloney said Portsmouth Police are asking anyone who may recognize either the dumbbell or the suspect, or who may have information that may lead to his identity to call Det. Tim Cashman at 603-610-7587.

Maloney said Portsmouth Police detectives and members from the Crime Scene team have collected and are currently evaluating evidence recovered from the scene.

Anyone who may have information about this crime can also call Seacoast Crime Stoppers at 603-431-1199 if they wish to remain anonymous and have information on unsolved crimes or under age alcohol parties. People can also leave an anonymous tip by logging on to www.seacoastcrimestoppers.org or send an SMS text to CRIMES (274637) and include TIPSCS in their message. Anyone who leaves a tip that leads to an arrest or an indictment could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.