Burglars steal gold worth Rs300 million from Karachi jewellery shop

KARACHI: Burglars broke through the wall of a jewellery shop in Karachi and stole gold and diamonds worth more than Rs300 million ($1.07 million) in one of the biggest thefts in the city’s history.

The burglary took place in the Orangi Town area, within the limits of Iqbal Market Police Station in district West.

According to the first information report filed by shop owner Ayub Khan against unidentified suspects, the burglars broke through a rear wall of the shop and made off with 606 tolas of gold — equivalent to about 7,064 grams — valued at over Rs300 million, as well as diamonds and other items worth more than Rs2.5 million.

Khan told police that workers had closed the shop as usual on the night of February 12. When they reopened it on the morning of February 14, several jewellery boxes were found empty.

 Upon inspection, the shop’s rear wall was discovered broken and a large quantity of gold, including items belonging to customers, was missing.

Police said that an investigation had been launched after the case was registered.

CCTV footage showed a slim-built suspect entering the shop through a hole made in the back wall. The footage indicated the opening was initially too small, and the suspect appeared to struggle before enlarging it and entering feet-first.

The man had his face covered with cloth and was seen covering a security camera shortly after entering, suggesting prior knowledge of its location.

Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar sought an immediate report from the Senior Superintendent of Police for the district West and ordered the formation of special teams to arrest those involved and recover the stolen goods.

Lanjar directed police to utilise CCTV footage, forensic evidence and other technical means to trace the suspects, and called for enhanced security at jewellery markets and sensitive commercial centres across the city.

He said that those involved would face strict legal action.