PORTSMOUTH, Va. — When the owner of Cash Money Pawn in Portsmouth played surveillance footage back from over the weekend, he said he couldn't believe his eyes.
The shop's guarded entrance and security cameras were not enough to stop diamonds from disappearing.
"I noticed that the jewelry was missing out of the case,” said owner Spencer Hill. “Things looked a little bit in shambles, so I went immediately and looked at the cameras."
Security cameras caught an unlikely pair in the act.
Hill said a mother-son duo walked in with a regular customer on Saturday.
“She's stealing the whole time he is at the counter,” Hill said pointing at the video.
While the staff helped the man, Hill said the woman got to work a few feet away.
"He distracted my employees at the counter, trying to pawn an item,” Hill said. “Was spending a little more time than necessary at the counter stalling us."
Cameras caught her fishing around behind the locked jewelry counter and she had a little help.
"Her son even takes his hands and gets involved,” Hill said pointing to the video. “He has his hands in there trying to pull the tag out, trying to help her."
Hill said she got away with a diamond tennis bracelet and diamond ring.
"Both valued at approximately, together, $4,000 to $5,000,” Hill said.
But what bothers him most is how the boy learned the wrong lesson that day.
"Being a father of three sons, it is pretty disturbing and sad to think someone would come in and involve their children in something like that,” Hill said. “Nevertheless, doing that to start with."
Portsmouth Police say no one has been charged.