CUMMING, Ga. (AP) - Police are investigating a crime that's being called as one of the largest jewelry heists in metro Atlanta area after thieves made off with more than $2.8 million in loot.

Authorities say the suspects bypassed the security system at Milano's Fine Jewelry, then cut their way through walls of solid concrete to get into the business from an empty building next store.

Police say it must have taken hours for the suspects to get into the store, then into its safe. The crime was discovered Monday morning.

Forsyth County sheriff's Capt. Tim House tells WSB-TV (http://bit.ly/ospMK3) that it's one of the largest such crimes he's seen in his 25 years of experience.

Store owner Ibrahim Ehicam said the thieves emptied all the display cases and even stole the cash register.