Armed Bandits Pull Off Home Invasion, Kidnapping, Jewelry Heist - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

"They're dangerous, they're armed."

That's how police describe the crew of gun toting bandits that hit Shulers Jewelry store in East Norriton Thursday night and made off with several hundred thousand dollars worth of high-end jewelry.

"Seems pretty well planned out, which leads us to believe they're part of an organized group," said Det. Sgt. Todd Bereda of the Tredyffrin Twp. Police.

Detectives say four bandits were lying in wait at the home of the jeweler on Wooded Way in Tredyffrin around 7:30 p.m. The jeweler came home, was confronted by the masked gunmen, then forced into his home. He and his wife were tied up with duct tape.

"There was a home invasion robbery, she was held hostage," Bereda explained.

The thieves stole cash and jewelry, then they forced the owner to drive a white Volkswagen Passat to his store 20 minutes away on Germantown Pike in Montgomery County and robbed him.

"They forced him under duress to open up a couple safes and stole a large amount of jewelry," police said.

Two gunmen stayed behind at the jeweler's home with his wife until the robbery was over, then took off. Investigators believe these gunmen have struck before targeting jewelers in South Whitehall, Bethlehem and Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

It's also the second time Shuler's has been robbed in 14 months. In December 2011, surveillance cameras caught a team of smash and grab robbers as they made off with dozens of Rolex watches.

"They need to be caught as soon as possible," Bereda added. "Any help the public can give use, we'd greatly appreciate that."

Police are looking for the jeweler's white Volkswagen Passat with Pennsylvania license tag DJM-0696 and a silver or blue Chrysler Sebring used by the bandits. No one was hurt in the incident. Police are working with the FBI to catch the robbery team.