Thieves fail to steal jade rock in PG office parking lot

A couple of thieves had an unsuccessful run at stealing a valuable rock at an office in Pacific Grove early Sunday morning.

Passing by the Monterey Bay Aquarium administrative offices on Central Avenue, you would not think something valuable would be sitting outside, but the thieves knew where to look.

“Around 2 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16, officers got a report of subjects attempting to steal a large rock at one of the off-site aquarium buildings located in Pacific Grove,” said Jeff Fenton, a Pacific Grove police sergeant.

The rock is made out of jade, and just a piece could be worth a few hundred dollars. But it was not easy to move, especially a rock this size, which is why these thieves came prepared with a dolly.

“Somehow these people knew it was in the area, and fortunately the good timing of the aquarium security people came by,” said Fenton.

When they were spotted by security, the criminals took off. But in talking with stores that sell jade on Cannery Row, they say the value would depend on the size, quality, color and origin of the rock, just like a diamond.

Police estimate this particular jade rock is worth about $500.

“But that’s just for the full piece of rock,” said Fenton. “Now if that is broken down into 8,000 pieces of jewelry, there’s where your profit comes from, breaking it down and turning it into jewelry.”

And that kind of jewelry can be worth a lot. For now, Fenton says the investigation continues, and the fact that these thieves knew where this rock was could help catch them.

“Even though the rock was left behind, it is still something we want to investigate to the fullest, and if we can, bring these two people to justice,” said Fenton.

If you have any information about these two suspects, you are encouraged to call the Pacific Grove Police Department at 831-648-3143, or if anonymously, 831-648-3159.