FBI: Mebane jewelry store robber linked to heists across Southeast

The woman, who some say looks like a suburban soccer mom, pulled a gun on the employees at the Jared Vault store, at 4000 Arrowhead Blvd. in the Tanger Outlets shopping center, and ordered them into a back room, police said. She used zip-ties to restrain them before stuffing merchandise from display cases into a shopping bag and leaving.

No one was injured during the robbery.

The FBI said they believe the same woman robbed Jared Jewelry in Woodstock, Ga., on April 29, Zale’s Jewelry in Dawsonville, Ga., on Aug. 5, Reeds Jewelers in Panama City Beach, Fla., on Aug. 11, Jared Jewelry in Bluffton, S.C., on Sept. 2 and Jared Vault in Sevierville, Tenn., on Oct. 16. Authorities said she targets outlet stores and wears gloves so she doesn't leave fingerprints.

The woman is described as white, in her late 20s or early 30s, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and 130 pounds.

The FBI said she might have had help with the Georgia and Florida robberies. A black man in his late 30s or early 40s, approximately 6 feet tall and 250 pounds was seen on security video during those robberies, authorities said.

FBI Special Agent Lawrence Borghini said the pair carefully choose the stores they will hit. They are near interstates, in order to make an easier getaway.

"These are well-planned jewelry store robberies," said Borghini. "They have some knowledge about the industry, they have some knowledge about these vendors they are striking."

The pair have used different vehicles in the heists, and both are considered armed and dangerous, authorities said.

The FBI is hopeful that video footage of the suspects will lead to an arrest.

"The video and the surveillance we have of these individuals is very good. I do believe somebody out there knows who they are," said Borghini.

Anyone with information about robberies is asked to call the FBI at 800-225-5324, Mebane Police Department at 919-563-9031 or Alamance County Crime Stoppers at 336-229-7100.