[CPProt.net] Minnesota man robbed of $1 million in gems at art show

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

Minnesota man robbed of $1 million in gems at art show
Associated Press
November 12, 2005


ALBUQUERQUE - A Minnesota jeweler has been robbed of more than $1 million
worth of jewelry and gems, including diamonds and rubies, while packing up
to leave an art show. 
The heist occurred last Sunday as the annual Weems Art Fest, one of New
Mexico's largest art shows, was wrapping up at the New Mexico state
fairgrounds in Albuquerque, said Mary Ann Weems, the show's coordinator.

Bob Trisko of St. Cloud had finished loading several duffel bags of goods
into his sport utility vehicle when he heard a crash, Weems said.

"He was just walking away from the car when he heard it and (the thief) had
grabbed his bags and just taken off,'' she said.

Weems said she did not doubt Trisko's claim that his jewelry was worth more
than $1 million.

She said she believes the thief had been casing Trisko's booth toward the
end of the show and knew exactly what he had.

"Why else would our most expensive jeweler be picked?'' Weems said.

Trisko said he is insured only for the raw value of the stones. "The rest I
have to eat,'' said Trisko, who has filed an insurance claim.

New Mexico State Police are investigating the theft, said state police Lt.
Jimmy Glascock. Investigators have recovered a duffel bag in Albuquerque
containing only business cards and empty plastic jewelry bags.

"We are processing that for fingerprints and other evidence, and we will
coordinate the rest of the investigation'' with the Albuquerque Police
Department, Glascock said.

The arts and crafts show had security only inside the building where the
show was held, but Weems said she might request security outside the
building in the future.

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