Burglars strike Lambros Goldsmith in Annandale
Three men broke into Lambros Goldsmith in Annandale and stole $2 million worth of jewelry, reports store owner and award-winning jeweler Lambros Magiafas.
Surveillance video shows the suspects wearing masks and dressed in black using a hammer to break the glass door, smashing the display cases, and shoving jewelry into bags at about 5 a.m. on Sept. 28.
The store, at 7137C Little River Turnpike, features one-of-a-kind pendants, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings designed and made by Lambros in the workshop at the rear of his shop.
Lambros is disappointed in the inadequate police response. He heard about the burglary from his alarm company while he was at his other store in Alaska.
He immediately called the Mason District Police Station, which is just a couple of minutes away. “They said they were not responsible,” and that he should call the Franconia Police Station. “It took them over half an hour to get there,” he said.
“It’s frustrating,” Lambros said. “What do I have to do, start shooting, if they can’t protect us?”
When he returned from Alaska, he found glass all over the floor and the display cases damaged. By now, the door has been replaced, and new cases have been installed.
Lambros says insurance isn’t covering the loss of the jewelry. The only items covered were in the safe, which was not broken into.
He hopes the jewelry will be recovered. He’s been creating pieces for the past 40 years with previous stones and distinctive designs, often inspired by his native Greece. He plans to bring the inventory from the Alaska store, which closes in the winter, to Annandale.
Related story: Jewelry artist Lambros Goldsmith joins the Taste of Annandale as the Title Sponsor
The suspects’ car was found in southeast D.C. It was a stolen car with stolen tags. Other than that, Lambros has not gotten any follow-up from the police. “It’s like nothing happened.”
Unlike other burglaries and similar crimes, the FCPD has not put out a press release seeking tips from the public.
Lambros appreciates the flowers sent by a friend with a note stating: “They stole your jewelry; they can’t steal your talent.”
Related story: Police seek restaurant burglars
