Theft from Henrico jewelry store tops $2 million [Richmond Times-Dispatch, Va.]

Jan. 05--HENRICO, Va. -- A Henrico County jewelry store that was the scene of a notorious armed robbery and shooting 17 years ago has been burglarized of nearly its entire inventory.

Henrico police said Thursday that an investigation into the incident at Beverly Hills Jewelers Ltd., in the 8100 block of Staples Mill Road, is continuing and that no arrests have been made.

Gary B. Baker, the owner, said Thursday that virtually his entire inventory, valued at close to $2 million, was taken during a break-in carried out sometime in recent days. "They had to know exactly what they were doing. ... It was like 'Oceans 11,'" he said, referring to the movie depicting a team of expert jewel thiefs.

Baker, 62, said the people behind the theft circumvented numerous safety and security devices and left behind weapons he had in the store as well as less valuable merchandise like watches.

Baker said he is considering closing the business, a 25-year institution in the area and located in the 8100 block of Staples Mill Road.

"If it was 25 years ago, I could do it," said Baker. "Now I just feel like it's too much to start over." the burglary occurred sometime in thye nighttime hours after suspects pried open a rear door, Baker and police said. the store was closed this week for the holidays and had planned to re-open next week.

Baker said he did not have insurance, largely because of a problem collecting money from a small break-in years ago.

"Given what was lots this time and I what I went through last time, I'd have to live to be 200 to get back what I lost," Baker said.

Baker made national headlines in December 1994 when two hardened criminals, both armed, tried to rob the jewely store and were confronted by Baker and his now-deceased brother, both of whom also were heavily armed. Both robbers died in the shootout.

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