Police Catch Diamond Ring Thief

Published on 12/03/09

US police have caught a man who tried to sell a diamond ring to a pawn shop.

Authorities in Salem, New Hampshire were alerted by the store's owner when someone tried to exchange the $15,000 (£10,800) glittering band for cash.

Suspicious of the man's story, the pawn shop worker called the police, who were then able to arrest the thief.

The band was stolen when its owner, Dawn Richards, had her purse taken during a car break-in, lovers of gold diamond rings may be concerned to hear.

She told Ken MacLeod of WBZ-TV of her joy at learning that the item had been found.

Ms Richards said: "I was in shock. I didn't think that it was going to be the ring until I actually went down [to the police station]. So, I'm surprised they found it."

Earlier this week, police launched an appeal to find a man who stole a $45,000 diamond ring from a 92-year-old woman.