UPDATE: Healdsburg Antique Burglars Removed Items from Display Case

was hit by thieves on Monday, July 25, at 4:30 p.m., according to an alert issued by

Police said the theft was one of at least three in the last week at downtown shops.

In addition to the burglary on Monday, thieves also stole jewelry and equipment from a store at 44 Mill St. in Healdsburg today and on July 19, said Healdsburg Police Sgt. Luis Rodriguez

"In the summer, there are more people around, and it's easier [for thieves] to blend in," Rodriguez said. He suggested merchants install surveillance cameras.

"The cameras should be at eye level, so that they can get a real good picture of the people," Rodriguez said.

"Merchants should keep an eye on people," Rodriguez added. "If they see something suspicious, they can call police if they don't want to approach the people themselves."

Chamber manager Mary Ann Barr said the suspects from Monday's burglary at Healdsburg Classic Antiques were a female and male of European or Middle East descent and 50-to-55 years of age. 

"Both were heavy set with dark complexions," Barr said.  "The female suspect has long, wavy hair."

Rodriguez said the burglars removed antique silver utensils from a display case.

"They used some distraction" so that the store clerks didn't see what they were doing, Rodriguez said.

Besides the three thefts at downtown shops, he noted that two other thefts occurred this month. Those were a shoplifting by a teenage girl  at the Rite Aid store at 418 Healdsburg Ave. and a theft from a car in the parking lot of CVS pharmacy on Center Street.

"Make sure not to leave items out in view in your car," Rodriguez said. "Peope think because it's Healdsburg, nothing gets stolen, but there are people checking cars all the time."

Barr urged Chamber members to notify their colleagues and stay on alert.

"As always, please help spread the word to your fellow merchants that may not be on our broadcast or e-mail list," Barr said.

Anyone with information on any of the thefts is asked to contact Healdsburg Det. Nick Castenada at the at 707-431-3377.