Watch CBS News

Family: Thief Made Off With Thousands In Jewels And Religious Articles

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A search was underway on Monday for a thief who made off with a suitcase filled with jewelry and religious articles.

A woman grabbed a carry-on bag and turned a family's life upside down, CBS 2's John Slattery reported.

The bag belonged to 20-year-old Abraham Greenfeld. It was filled with pearls, gold, diamonds, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and a pin valued at between $15,000 and $20,000.

Greenfeld's morning prayer case, a prayer shawl, and a leather prayer box known as a tefillin valued at $4,000-$5,000 were also in the suitcase.

Greenfeld said he was moving the suitcase from one vehicle to another on South 9th Street in Brooklyn when it was snatched.

"I went in for two minutes. I came out and it was gone," he said.

Family and friends scoured the area and came up with surveillance video that shows a woman walking way with the brown London Fog carry-on bag.

The woman was seen walking from South 9th onto Driggs Avenue and onto Division. Security cameras were able to track her for several blocks and Greenfeld's brother, Ari, said that she may live in the neighborhood.

"Our whole family is devastated. Very anxious. Almost in despair," he said.

The jewelry had been given to Greenfeld and his wife as wedding gifts six months ago.

The suspect may be Hispanic and appeared to be between 35 and 40 years old. She is about 5-foot-6 and weighs 150 pounds. Police did not have a suspect on Monday.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.