PENN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Westmoreland County jewelry store’s display cases are bare, just weeks before Christmas. Valmax Jewelers in Penn Township was burglarized and the thieves cleared the business out.
The owner, 78-year-old Ron Duvall, discovered the burglary the day before Thanksgiving. The Penn Township police chief tells Channel 11 that this was no smash and grab.
“I think you’re sorta numb when something like that happens. But I knew what it was and immediately called 911,” said Ron Duvall.
Duvall said the burglars managed to sheer the entire back of his safe off.
“They cut the back out of it and took everything that was in the safe. This was a professional job.”
The burglars entered the store through the empty restaurant next door, cutting a hole in the wall. They then triggered a motion sensor, got to the alarm, disarming it and cutting off internet and cameras in less than 15 seconds.
“They got over and were able to tear the door off, rip all the cellular stuff, all the camera stuff within 15 seconds because my alarm had a 15 second delay. There was no camera pictures, no alarm went off... they were professionals.”
Ron recently finished treatment for cancer and is now in remission. He told Channel 11′s Cara Sapida that he will continue to be grateful, while holding out hope for arrests in this case.
Fundraiser for Ronald Duvall by Diane Guiser : Support Ron Duvall After Devastating Robbery
“You have to have a positive attitude. If I sat here on the floor and cried it wouldn’t be any good. I’m not that kind of person. I thank God nobody was hurt and I know God will help me rebuild again.”
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW