Police say thief took $70K in cash and gems

Monroe — An unknown suspect broke into a jewelry store in Monroe last week, making off with about $70,000 in cash and gems, according to the Monroe Police Department. On Thursday, Dec. 22, at approximately 2 a.m., the suspect entered Cyrus Jewelers in the Stop and Shop plaza, located at 475 Route 17M, by cutting through the roof and prying open a vent, police said. The suspect stole $50,000 in cash, approximately $20,000 in loose gems, and an undetermined amount of jewelry. The police described the suspect as a black male about 5 feet 8 inches tall, of medium build, wearing a green jacket, tan pants, and carrying a black briefcase-type bag stolen from scene. Anyone who has seen this suspect or who any information about this case should call the Monroe Police Department Detective Unit at 782-8644 or the TIPS line at 492-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.