Looters cash in on Irene's arrival

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - While Virginia Beach was getting pounded with rain and wind from Hurricane Irene, some people were taking advantage of the empty streets.

It seems Hurricane Irene's cloud cover created just the right conditions for two thieves.

The men broke through the door of Tidewater Keepsakes Jewelry store, located on Virginia Beach Boulevard, using a tire iron. They ran to a case, smashing it open with the same tire iron.

The case, by the way, was already open.

Inside the case, according to owner John Fedida was, "beautiful black onyx and jewelry, silver jewelry mostly."

Fedida estimates the two took $2,000 worth of jewelry, while his surveillance cameras caught every second of it.

Irene hadn't not out power to the store at the time of the theft.

"How can you go in, during a hurricane season, when people are at home trying to take care of their families and belongings and rob somebody and break in. I mean, that is just so low," said Fedida.

He added the fact the two didn't even bother to wear masks is insulting.

Fedida continued, "they're getting so brazen now. They don't care it's like 'okay, so, catch me."

Fedida hopes that by talking with 10 On Your Side, someone will recognize the two or maybe the thieves will hear his message loud and clear, "all I can tell these people, if they're watching is...get a job!"