News 12 at 11 o'clock, March 5, 2010

AUGUSTA,Ga. -- It was 15-thousand dollars worth of diamonds stolen from a display case and it happened while the store was open.

Richmond County Sheriff's Department investigators were still looking for the thief late Friday evening and taking a closer look at how he was able to steal the valuables easily. The thief walked right out of the Kings Jewelry store in the Augusta Mall undetected after swiping a tray from under a glass display case. It only took seconds.

News 12 talked to a local business owner who keeps his merchandise behind glass too - but he has some precautions in place to prevent "walk offs" or "glass lifts."

Steve Fishman, owner of Sidney's Department Store doesn't deal in jewelry, but in firearms. Still, the concept is still the same. Someone could try to reach behind the counter and take the goods. He says it is not happening in his store because he made adjustments.

When you see the video from the Kings Jewelry store, you will notice a man dressed in all white. He casually and easily lifts up the display glass walks out the store. Fishman says it could have possibly been avoided.

"You got make it a little more difficult so they will go somewhere else to apply their trade which is stealing," says Fishman.

Fishman, a well-known and longtime business understands what it means to protect your business. He says glass displays will welcome thieves and that's why he made changes to his store.

"We took silicone and we basically glued our glass in place," he adds. "Also, we have custom made counters."

Fishman's counters are made with solid wood edges, but he even took it a step further.

"First thing we did was raise the counter height. Then, I actually had a friend who was 6'10' and we had him try to reach across the counter. So we widened the counters,so that it takes a longer stretch," adds the store owner.

And with a display case this tall, it's virtually impossible for someone to reach over and grab what's inside. Mr. Fishman says it's just one extra step to protect, his valuable merchandise.

"No one has ever tried the best of my knowledge, to come in here and take something from me doing business hours," says Fishman.

Richmond County Sheriff's Investigators say the store workers at the jewelry store were busy with other customers when the theft happened. Fish man says you have to be consistently alert and by attending to customers instead of ignoring them will always mean you are a harder target.

In addition, according to crime statistics a criminal casing a store doesn't like being noticed. That is why it always good for any business owner to take note of appearances and speak to customers.

"You just have to be aware of what's going on across the counter and keep your eyes open," says Fish man. "People will try to take advantage, but you got to stop them."