Man stole Dh400,000 in jewellery and cash from Jumeirah villa

On June 26 last year, the defendant, who was in the country on a tourist visa, broke into a villa belonging to an Egyptian manager and raided two safes in the bedroom, prosecutors said.

DUBAI // A man admitted breaking into a Jumeirah villa and stealing Dh400,000 worth of jewellery and money.

At Dubai Criminal Court the 45-year-old Colombian also admitted to trespassing and damaging property.

On June 26 last year, the defendant, who was in the country on a tourist visa, broke into a villa belonging to an Egyptian man and raided two safes in the bedroom, prosecutors said.

“One contained my wife’s jewellery and the other Dh100,000 in cash,” said the homeowner.

He said he and his wife left their home at nearly 6pm and returned three hours later to find the front door unlocked and both safes empty.

Evidence collected by police connected the defendant to the incident. “He was arrested in a sting operation and told us that he and an American committed the crime,” said a 30-year-old Emirati police officer.

The defendant said he and his accomplice rang the door bell of the villa to ensure no one was home, the officer said. “He then climbed over the wall and broke in using sharp tools and split the stolen items and cash with his partner,” said the officer.

The next hearing will be on April 14.