North Fort Myers vintage store robbed of rare $10K French silverware

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Two people walked into a North Fort Myers antique store as customers and allegedly left as thieves, stealing thousands of dollars' worth of Parisian silverware.

The entire theft was caught on video. The business owners are asking for the public's help in identifying the couple.

A boxed set of Christophe silverware was stolen from the Paris Vintage Market on Tuesday by a couple of shoppers, according to a report from the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Documents say the forks and knives are worth up to $10,000.

"It's a French brand, it's very high end, and it's very expensive," said Sandy Smith, owner.

Smith and her husband showed WINK News the footage caught on their security cameras.

"We have a camera right behind you, and there is a very clear picture of the man just looking straight into the camera," Smith said. "The man stayed here, he was here for three hours. Yeah, he was bringing several things up to the desk, which isn't unusual."

At the counter, bargaining is normal. But free is never an option.

"I think they knew what they were looking for when they came in here," Smith said. "We're retired. This is our retirement, so yeah, it's very disheartening."

The Smiths said the utensils were the centerpiece of their showroom. But the theft will not keep them from opening their doors.

"We're just going to be more vigilant, that's all. That's all you can really do. You can't not trust people," Smith said.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office said their violent crimes unit is investigating.