(May 16, 2008)—A series of daylight heists have left Houston-area jewelers on edge.
Authorities say the victims have lost $3 million worth of valuables to the robbers.
The fourth holdup in three weeks happened Thursday when three masked men walked into a Waffle House, police said.
Investigators said the thieves went straight for a dealer seated in a corner booth, pistol-whipped him and made off with $1.4 million in diamonds.
Steven Silver, who works for the Texas Jewelers Security Hotline, said Houston's fast getting a reputation as a city for traveling dealers to avoid.
He said many insurance companies won't even allow the salesmen to pass through the Bayou City anymore.
FBI agents believe the robbers are part of a larger ring known as the South American Theft Group, which has operated in United States for at least 20 years.
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