Police search for suspects in Auburn Hills smash-and-grab jewelry theft

Investigators are searching for three men who smashed an Auburn Hills jewelry store's counters and ran off with merchandise last weekend.

Officers were called at about 5 p.m. Saturday to the Helzberg Diamond Outlet store in the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets mall on Baldwin Road near Interstate 75 for a report of a smash-and-grab robbery, police said. They also initially received reports of an active shooter at the mall.

Callers reported three men wearing masks smashed the store's display cases with hammers and took jewelry, according to authorities. They said the men did not assault or threaten employees.

After grabbing the jewelry, the three left the mall and got into a black SUV. Police officials said the vehicle was last seen leaving the parking lot and traveling on Baldwin Road.

Authorities arrived and were unable to locate the suspects or their SUV.

Officers began investigating. They reviewed video footage captured by the mall's security system and interviewed eyewitnesses, police said.

Detectives determined the reports of gunfire were sparked by the sound of the hammers striking the glass cases.

Investigators said the three suspects are Black men, ages 18-25, about 6 feet tall with thin builds. The three also wore black hooded sweatshirts, gloves, surgical masks and black knit hats.

Other details were not released.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Auburn Hills police at (248) 370-9460.