The St. Charles Police Department has reported what might be the most costly smash-and-grab vehicle burglary heist in Kane County history.

According to a report issued Wednesday (May 31, 2017), more than $500,000 worth of fine jewelry — emeralds, sapphires, and rubies as well as one container that had 18 trays of gold and silver jewelry — were taken Saturday night from a 2015 Ford Transit van parked in a lot at the corner of Illinois Avenue and Riverside Avenue in St. Charles.

St. Charles police were called to the parking lot at 216 Riverside Ave. at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday (May 27, 2017) for a report of a burglary to motor vehicle. The victim — a jewelry vendor at the Fine Arts Show that weekend— told police he had put his belongings into the van at around 6 p.m. When he returned at 9 p.m., he discovered that the vent window on the driver’s door had been broken and entry was made into the van.

Several totes and cases were taken from the van. Investigators are still working on an accounting of the items stolen but the victim reported the total value at around $500,000.00.

Nothing was taken from the vendor display area at the art show, Deputy Chief Dave Kintz said in the news release.

“We are asking for anyone with information to contact us due to the high dollar value estimated by the artist,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Charles Police Department Investigations Section at 630-377-4435.

SOURCE: St. Charles Police Department news release