Police Release Video of Jewelry Store Burglar

Portsmouth Police released video surveillance of a burglary suspect who used a sledge hammer to break into the Chrisrial and Co. Jewelers on Deer Street Friday morning and believe he bears a strong resemblance to the burglary suspect who robbed the same two two weeks ago.

Portsmouth Police Det. Mattew Hester said the burglary suspect has a similar physical build to the male burglary suspect who used a 30-pound dumbbell to smash the front glass door and jewelry cases on Feb. 7.

The video of Friday morning's burglary shows the suspect smashing the front door with sledge hammer in one hand and carrying a bag in another. Police say the burglary suspect used the sledge hammer to smash some jewelry cases before he fled on foot in the direction of Maplewood Avenue.

Portsmouth Police said Friday morning's burglary occurred sometime before 3 a.m. and police officers were at the jewelry store gathering evidence several hours later.

Earlier this month, Portsmouth Police Lt. Det. Michael Maloney said they were looking at similar cases in Massachusetts where a male burglary suspect used a similar method to gain entry into jewelry stores.

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.