[MSN] State and local police are investigating a break-in at Coffman Antiques, whose owner has reported the theft of an estimated $100, 000 in antique jewelry.

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Police seek antique-jewelry thief
By Ellen G. Lahr, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Article Launched:11/01/2006 03:04:39 AM EST


Wednesday, November 01
GREAT BARRINGTON - State and local police are investigating a break-in at
Coffman Antiques, whose owner has reported the theft of an estimated
$100,000 in antique jewelry.
State Police crime scene experts have lifted fingerprints and analyzed
footprints found near the store, but no solid leads have yet developed,
according to town Police Chief William R. Walsh Jr. and Investigator Edward
Scarbro.

Police received a call Sunday morning as the shop at the Jenifer House
Commons was opening for the day. A window on the south end of the building
had been broken, and a locked glass case inside was damaged as well.

A similar break-in was reported at the store in 2001, and owner Donald
Coffman said he believes both times, the burglars had scoped out the
merchandise, perhaps during business hours, and figured out how to bypass
the alarm system.

The alarm did not activate from closing time Saturday night until the theft
was discovered Sunday morning.

In 2001, some $200,000 in antique currency was taken along with jewelry. The
store alarm sounded that time, but the intruders were gone by the time
police arrived. That crime was not solved.

Coffman

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