Police seek robbers who couldn't shatter jewelry cases

Star-Advertiser Staff

04:27 a.m. HST, Apr 12, 2011

Honolulu police are asking the public for help in catching two would-be robbers who attempted a smash-and-grab robbery of a Waikele jewelry store.

Honolulu CrimeStoppers posted on its website yesterday security video from the attempted robbery of the Zales jewelry store at the Waikele Premium Outlets in hopes of generating tips to catch the suspects.

The video shows the men — one armed with a shotgun, the other carrying a hammer — entering the store and attempting to break the jewelry cases. But the cases don't break.

The men kick the cases, smash them with a hammer and even fire a round from the shotgun, but the glass refuses to shatter.

The robbery happened at about 8:40 p.m. Saturday. Police said the men fled in a stolen silver Honda Civic, later found engulfed in flames on Lelepua Street and Leomana Place in Waipahu.

The suspects are described as being in their 20s, weighing about 140 pounds, wearing black masks and athletic shoes. One man wore a black, long-sleeve shirt and white pants; the other wore a gray, long-sleeve shirt with dark pants.

Some personnel in nearby stores say they are concerned for their safety.

Ryan Salazar, assistant supervisor at Brooks Brothers Factory Store, was working Saturday night but didn't know anything about the robbery until he left the store and saw police officers interviewing people.

"It's more of a common thing," he said. "It makes me a little nervous, just general safety around the area. Being a really popular tourist spot, they (visitors) probably feel the same way. Everyone's a little bit nervous."

LINK TO VIDEO:

http://youtu.be/A17gMX8vcj0