Authorities search for duo accused of using boy to steal $57,000 ring from Estero store

Authorities are asking for the public's help to identify a man and a woman they said used a child to help steal a $57,000 ring from an Estero jewelry store last week.

The duo entered the Saks Fifth Avenue store in Miromar Outlets just before 2 p.m. Oct. 12 with a 5- or 6-year-old boy, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers said in a news release Wednesday. 

While walking around the store, the two adults "pointed out several pieces of jewelry and asked the clerk whether they could see certain items," the release states. 

After asking to see a particular ring, the man engaged the clerk in conversation, according to the release. While the clerk was distracted, the woman can be seen on video instructing the boy "to take the ring and then hand it over to her," the release states. The trio then left the store.

Employees noticed the theft the next morning during a routine inventory, according to Crime Stoppers.

Anyone with information about the man and woman is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

Callers will remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000. Tips also can be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com.

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