Police are searching for several suspects responsible for robberies at jewelry stores in Manhattan’s Chinatown and the Chinatowns in Brooklyn and Queens.
On at least six occasions since September, cops say, the crew has struck retail businesses; one member of the team typically brandishes a gun while the others jump over counters, collecting valuable merchandise. At least two incidents have occurred in this neighborhood. On September 10, at around 4 p.m., they struck at Canal Diamonds, 169 Canal St. (near Bowery), stealing $25,000 in gold chains. Tian Yuan Jewelry at 66 East Broadway, near the Market Street, was hit October 17 (a failed attempt) and again on October 18 at 4:30 p.m.
The Daily News describes what happened at that store on the 18th:
The two suspects barged into the fine jewelry shop near Market St… and one thief pointed a gun at the owner Li Zhu as the other hooded perp brazenly hopped over the counter, knocked the owner to the ground and quickly shoved two jewelry cases into his backpack – and it’s all captured on store surveillance footage. Zhu was injured in her head and stomach as the crooks got away with about 90 24-karat gold necklaces worth approximately $20,000. “There’s a bruise on her head,” said Biyun Zhu, a worker who is unrelated to the owner. “I’m scared. I’m really scared.”
This are cowardly acts by a bunch of criminals (I’ll bet anything they all all have crime raps). If I was the owner of one of them stores I would put 2 pit bulls on leash and the moment they come in and try anything let them pits loose and enjoy the show.