Fireworks used for jewelry heist

Shoppers scrambled for safety Sunday at the large Dadeland Mall in Miami-Dade when they heard fireworks that sounded a lot like gunfire.

The tactic has become a popular tool for distraction thieves across the state.

In this case Miami-Dade police say it led to a “grand theft” at the Mayors Jewelers inside the sprawling mall at 7535 N. Kendall. Dr.

It was about 6:30 p.m. when a man went into the jewelry store and asked an employee to show him an expensive watch, police said.

“Once the subject had the watch in his possession, an unknown person set off fireworks in the vicinity of the store,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Argemis Colome. The thief used the distraction to take off with the watch, Colome said.

As shoppers ran from the area there were some minor injuries, police said. None of the injuries were related to the fireworks.

Police did not provide a description of the watch that was stolen or indicate its worth.

This is at least the third time in recent months that fireworks were used in Florida to cause a panic among shoppers so thieves could make a getaway.