Helzberg Diamonds Thief Sentenced to Jail Time

An Upper Moreland man received a prison sentence after an attempted robbery at Helzberg Diamonds in the 2600 block of Moreland Road.

Daniel Cairns, 39, of Orangemans Road, will serve 11 to 23 months in jail after pleading guilty to a felony robbery, according to the Phillyburbs.com report. Cairns will also serve a six-year probation period after he completes his sentence.

Cairns tried to steal a $5,500 ring from the store on March 7, 2011. According to the report, he used a hammer to break the glass case where the jewelry was stored. He banged on the glass numerous times but couldn’t get it to break at first. He then began to kick the display case. The Phillyburbs report describes the robbery as a “botched” attempt, while local police reported he got away with the ring. He then fled the area on foot.

He was later arrested on March 19, 2011 in Maryland following a traffic stop, according to Abington Detective Sgt. Mike Gallagher.