An elderly couple from Sydney was followed from a Melbourne antique jewellery fair to their nearby hotel where they were robbed. CCTV footage showed two men following the pair into the hotel lift.
According to a report by the Herald Sun, it’s believed that the men waited until the couple left their room before breaking in and stealing two suitcases which contained $100,000 of jewellery, including diamonds and pearls.
The incident may serve as a reminder for retailers and suppliers to ensure adequate security measures are in place during the upcoming International Jewellery Fair in Sydney.
Jewellery fairs are regularly targeted by thieves, including international crime gangs. The most recent incident in Melbourne was not the first time thieves have trailed members of the jewellery industry.
In 2012, a jewellery supplier, who asked not to be identified, was robbed of stock after finishing his last appointment for the day. It’s believed the salesman was followed to his hotel room by car from the jewellery store where the product presentation was made.
In recent years, thieves also stole gemstones valued at US$1.1 million (AU$1.2 m) on the first day of the 2010 Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair while four diamonds were stolen from BaselWorld in 2011.
The following year, a gemstone dealer reported almost US$1 million (AU$1.07 m) in merchandise had been stolen from her trailer after attending the Tucson Gem and Jewelry Exchange Show.
STOLEN JEWELLERY
Source: Herald Sun
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