GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga.,None — Police are asking for help identifying the men behind two armed robberies at local jewelry stores.
On Wednesday police released surveillance video of a Tuesday robbery at Tara Fine Jewelry in Buford.
Police said the video proves the men seen charging into this Buford Highway jewelry store are part of the same crew that hit one in Snellville just last month.
Police gave Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh video and enhanced still images Wednesday, hoping someone will recognize one of them.
"We are particularly concerned in cases like this where there seems to be a trend and could possible see another one of these if it's not solved in time," said Cpl. Jake Smith with Gwinnett County police.
The surveillance video showed similar moments of terror inside Tara Fine Jewelry.
One man waves a silver gun. Another had a small sledge hammer.
They smashed the cases and grabbed high-end watches.
One of the thieves even struck an elderly man in the head, sending him to the ground.
He went to the hospital, but is expected to recover.
"The violence escalates each time. That's a pretty common occurrence," Smith told Kavanaugh.
Just last month, there was another chaotic scene inside Barrons Jewelers in Snellville.
Channel 2 Action News obtained surveillance video which showed two men, also with a hammer and gun, smashing glass cases.
Kavanaugh went back to that store Wednesday and spoke to an employee inside who was working at the time of the robbery.
He told Kavanaugh the men went straight to the case with the Rolex watches.
Police said that both times the men were driving stolen SUVs they later dumped after the robberies.
The owner of Tara Fine Jewelry is now offering a $50,000 reward for information that helps police make an arrest.
If you have any information about the robbery call Gwinnett County Police at 770-513-5300.
WSBTV
