Diamond Locket Swallowed by Thief Recovered Naturally, Police Confirm
A 32-year-old man in New Zealand who attempted to steal a diamond-studded locket by swallowing it has had the jewelry piece recovered, according to local authorities. Estimated to be worth NZ$33,585 (approximately $19,300), the unique locket features a design inspired by a famous James Bond film and is made up of 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights concerns regarding theft in jewelry stores, as well as the lengths to which individuals may go to evade law enforcement. The recovery of the stolen locket without requiring medical intervention has sparked both curiosity and concern among the public and authorities alike about criminal behavior.
Key Developments
- The locket, known as the Octopussy egg, was successfully recovered in a natural manner, requiring no medical procedures.
- The suspect was arrested at Patridge Jewellers in central Auckland shortly after the incident occurred.
- The locket will be returned to its manufacturer, Fabergé.
- The suspect faces multiple charges, including theft of the locket and an iPad from the same store days earlier, as well as property theft from a residential address.
Full Report
Incident Overview
On November 12, the man allegedly attempted to steal the diamond-studded locket from Patridge Jewellers by swallowing it soon after the theft. This unusual method of concealment raised eyebrows among the authorities. After his arrest, a police statement confirmed that he had undergone a medical assessment and was being monitored due to the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Valued Locket
The stolen piece, aptly named the Octopussy egg, is inspired by the 1983 film of the same name, which revolves around a grand Fabergé egg heist. It features an intricate design of 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires, opening to reveal a miniature octopus crafted from 18-carat gold.
Legal Ramifications
Currently in police custody, the suspect is scheduled to appear in court again on December 8. In addition to the charges related to the locket, he faces accusations of stealing an iPad from the same jewelry store and pilfering other items from a private property shortly thereafter.
Context & Previous Events
In the days following the theft, police maintained that they had a duty of care to monitor the suspect’s health as he was in custody. Partridge Jewellers confirmed that the locket would be returned to Fabergé, a prestigious jeweler known for its exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance. The incident has amplified discussions around security measures in retail spaces, particularly those involving high-value items.
