Auckland Man Charged After Allegedly Swallowing Stolen Fabergé Locket
A man in New Zealand has been charged with theft after reportedly swallowing a diamond-studded locket from a jewelry store in Auckland. The bizarre incident involved a valuable Fabergé egg locket worth approximately NZ$33,585 ($19,300), which has yet to be recovered by police.
This case sheds light on the lengths some individuals will go to in committing theft, especially when it involves high-value items with historic and cultural significance. Fabergé, known for its exquisite craftsmanship over the centuries, has a storied reputation, making the theft a matter of public interest.
Key Developments
- The theft occurred at Partridge Jewellers, where the 32-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the incident last Friday.
- The swallowed locket is encrusted with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires, and contains an 18K gold miniature octopus inside.
- The locket, named “Octopussy,” is inspired by the 1983 James Bond film that features a heist involving a Fabergé egg.
- The accused man remains in custody following a medical assessment, and has a court appearance scheduled for December 8.
- Authorities report that the suspect was also charged with stealing an iPad from the same jewelry store on November 12 and committing another petty theft the following day.
Full Report
Police responded to a theft call at Partridge Jewellers in central Auckland, leading to the quick apprehension of the prime suspect. The man attempted to evade capture after allegedly ingesting the locket, a decision that complicates the recovery process.
According to reports, the locket, which features a combination of luxury materials, not only represents financial value but carries artistic merit due to its unique design. Fabergé has roots tracing back over two centuries in Russia, and is celebrated for crafting intricate eggs that have fascinated collectors around the world.
Following his arrest, the suspect underwent a medical assessment to evaluate the ingestion of the valuable item. As he awaits his next court appearance, police are working to retrieve the stolen locket, though it remains unclear how the recovery will proceed given the circumstances.
Context & Previous Events
In addition to the charges related to the locket theft, the man is facing allegations of stealing an iPad from the same store earlier in November. He is also accused of another minor theft involving cat litter and flea control products valued at NZ$100 from a private address shortly after the jewelry store incidents.
