Police: Jewelry Store Robbery May be Linked to Mass. Cases

Portsmouth Police believe a recent jewelry store robbery that took place on Feb. 7 may be linked to similar cases in Massachusetts.

Portsmouth Police Det. Lt. Michael Maloney said police are still searching for the adult male burglary suspect who broke into the Chrisrial and Company Jewelers store on Feb. 7 by using a 30-pound dumbbell which he also used to smash several jewelry cases before he made off with an undisclosed amount of jewelry.

When asked if police are aware of any other cases where an adult male burglary suspect used the same method to rob other jewelry stores, Maloney replied, "Yes, we are aware of some other similar cases in Massachusetts."

Maloney said police have not been able to create a video for the Seacoast Crimestoppers website because they are having an issue with their computer software. So far, police have only been able to share still images of the male suspect from the store's security camera.

Maloney also said he found it unusual the burglary suspect left behind the 30-pound dumbbell after he robbed the store. He said police are also trying to determine if the adult male burglary suspect is somebody from the Portsmouth area who may have committed the burglaries in Massachusetts or if they are from Massachusetts and chose to come to Portsmouth to commit last week's burglary. "Right now, we cannot say for sure," he said.

Police have also been unable to interview any potential witnesses because the jewelry store burglary was committed so early in the morning.

Maloney said Portsmouth Police Det. Tim Cashman continues to work the case and any information the public can provide to help police locate the adult male burglary suspect would be appreciated. Maloney said anyone who wishes to contact Cashman with any information that can help police solve this case can call Cashman at 603-610-7587.

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.