Police Seek Suspects in Antiques Mall Robbery

The late-night robbery of a West Jefferson store has local police looking for information about the suspects.

Chief Brian Grogan of the West Jefferson Police Department confirmed that there was a break-in at Antiques on Main, located at 842 South Jefferson Avenue, that resulted in the theft of several thousand dollars of merchandise.

The incident occurred between the late hours of Tuesday, Dec. 2, and the early morning hours of Wednesday, Dec. 3, and was not discovered until the following morning.

"They stole a bunch of gold rings, silver rings, bracelets, pocket watches, knives, sterling silver silverware and a lot of old money," said Lt. Detective Chris Welch of the West Jefferson Police Department. He said that the crime was committed by two suspects, based on the two sets of footprints found, and that the items were stolen from several locations around the store.

"They didn't just get it all from one area. They got it from several spots in the store and exited back though the rear door," said Welch.

Antiques on Main is home to 60 separate vendors that sell merchandise at the store, and the items stolen were taken from several vendors. Store owner Keith Woodie said that the robbery affected eight of the store's vendors, and that the culprits "ransacked the place pretty good" and "everything was torn apart like they were looking for something.

"It gives you a strange feeling," Woodie said, "after being born and raised in West Jefferson and never seeing stuff like this." He noted that "it's a pretty hard hit."

The West Jefferson Police Department is looking for any information regarding the incident. Anyone with information can contact Lt. Welch at (336) 246-9410.

-Joel Frady