Alleged thieves get unwanted jewelry

Handcuffs were probably not the jewelry of choice for a pair of alleged brazen daytime thieves in Exton, but that's what the pair's activities yesterday earned them, police said.

West Whiteland Township police said Bryan K. Twaddell, 41, of Coatesville, and Michelle Rae Sharpless, 40, of Downingtown, were observed at 9:18 a.m. in the Exton Kmart, where Twaddell used an unknown object to pry open jewelry cases. He and Sharpless then emptied $22,419 worth of jewely into her pocketbook and exited the store.

Less than an hour later, the pair were seen inside the Kohl's Department Store in Exton, police said, where Twaddell was observed using an unknown object in an attempt to pry open several jewelry cases. Sharpless was observed assisting him in his unsuccessful attempts to gain access, police said, adding that the couple was seen fleeing the parking lot in a Chevrolet Blazer.

Police said that vehicle, which was registered to Sharpless, was later found abandoned in East Brandywine Township. Police said the pair was located and taken into custody this evening. They face charges that include theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy and related offenses, court records said.