Burglary at Gold Rush

Gold Rush Jewelers in Weaverville was broken into early Monday morning, and the owner estimates that at least $10,000 worth of jewelry was stolen.

The burglars kicked in the front door, alerting the alarm company, owner Jean Lam said.

The alarm company notified the sheriff's department and called Lam and her husband, Mike Bourg, at home.

The burglars broke into a case holding estate jewelry and took mostly rings -- some belonging to the store and some to consigners. They also hit the diamond case, taking diamond and gold jewelry, and escaping before an officer arrived.

There were no officers on duty when the break-in occurred, but dispatch called a deputy at home at 4:23 a.m. and he got to the store seven minutes later, Detective Don Richer said.

The burglars apparently knew just what they were after and were aware of the level of law enforcement at that time of morning, he said.

Bourg said he arrived within 10 minutes of the call from the alarm company and the deputy was already there. He believes someone cased the store beforehand.

There have been attempts to break through the security glass at the store, but it has been years since there has been a successful break-in at Gold Rush, Lam said.

However, she does not think it was a particularly sophisticated burglary. "I think it's drug related," Lam said.

Lam is compiling a list of items to distribute to pawn shops in the area. The door has been rebuilt and reinforced, and a video surveillance system will probably be installed, she said.

A private party is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft. Call (530) 623-0470 with information.

So far there are no leads as to who is responsible for the theft, Richer said. People with information are asked to call the sheriff's department at (530) 623-2611.