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Jewelry store owner leaving Horton Plaza after downtown robbery

Posted at 8:28 PM, Dec 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-14 23:28:47-05

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A jewelry store owner in Horton Plaza said she’s leaving the downtown mall after the latest crime was caught on camera.

Surveillance video shows a thief who entered Bert Levi Family Jewelers to see a $6,800 Rolex watch.

“I showed him, he weighed it in his hand and then all of a sudden, whooom! he's gone,” said Zahra Hinderson, store manager. She chased after the man but there was no security in the area to help.

Hinderson said the robbery was one of many crimes in the area that included two arsons and a murder.

RELATED: Navy sailor killed during Horton Plaza mall shooting

Store owner Gloria Levi said other problems include out-of-order restrooms, parking garage fees, the lack of holiday decorations, and cleanliness. 

"The homeless is an issue but you have gang members who are thugs. there are no.. the gentleman who came in yesterday.. I know I got robbed by someone but I feel I got robbed by Horton Plaza."

RELATED: Suspect in Horton Plaza killing to stand trial

The mall is run by Westfield Corporation, which owns and operates 35 shopping centers in the U.S. and United Kingdom. It was recently sold to a French company.  

Westfield sent a comment to 10News:

The safety and security of our customers, employees, retailers and facilities is of primary importance, always. Substantial resources are devoted to security matters, we appreciate the support of local law enforcement and will continue to work with the San Diego Police Department and the city to address the significant public health and safety issues in downtown San Diego.

Bert Levi Family Jewelers will move its merchandise to its Hillcrest location after the Horton Plaza lease expires next month.