(CNN) A burglar in the Atlanta area gave new meaning to the phrase "patience is a virtue" -- but not in a good way.

Authorities in Coweta County, Georgia, say a man cased a Costco and hid in the store for hours before stealing $13,000 worth of jewelry

"I've never heard of something like this," Jae Robertson with the Coweta County Sheriff's Office told CNN affiliate WSB-TV . "This is the first case I've ever had like this."

The burglary took place on October 10 after the man went to Costco and walked around before leaving, the affiliate reported. He returned hours later and the store's surveillance video showed the scheme unfold.

"The suspect or offender walks around and eventually hides behind a display at the front wall of the business," Robertson said.

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