DUBAI // A drunk salesman allegedly broke into a store and stole hundreds of phones and tablets valued at Dh1.8 million, a court heard.
Prosecutors said that Afghan NM, 29, was with two other men when he broke into an electronics store in Al Satwa and stole 750 mobile phones and tablets on December 28 last year.
Businessman RB told police that he locked the store at 11.15pm. “When I came the next day to open the shop, I found the lock broken and the window open.”
The 56-year-old store owner called police and reported the theft.
“iPhones, iPads, tablets and Samsung phones that were stacked on the shelves were all stolen,” he added.
Police tracked down NM and arrested him in the parking lot of Global Village.
“Two days before the robbery, I received a phone call from my friend, F, who told me that he wanted to rob the store.” NM told prosecutors.
On the day of the robbery, NM was drunk and was told to watch the area while F and another person, identified as BK, broke into the store.
“Once we fled the scene, the stolen items were kept with F and BK. They promised to give me my share after they sold the stolen items,” NM contented.
The Afghan told prosecutors he didn’t receive any money.
At the Dubai Criminal Court on Thursday, NM entered a plea of not guilty to charges of robbery and destruction of property.
A verdict is expected on June 29.
tzriqat@thenational.ae