DUBAI // A tourist stole gold jewellery and ornaments worth almost Dh320,000 from an apartment, a court heard today.
Prosecutors told the Criminal Court that Georgian AJ, 34, broke into a flat at the Maryam Al Hai building in Rafaa on June 30 this year. He ransacked the flat and stole four sets of gold jewellery worth Dh172,000, 55 gold plates worth Dh43,000, 28 gold bracelets worth Dh74,000 and 17 gold chains worth Dh15,500. He also stole three rings worth Dh2,000 and 12 gold earrings worth Dh13,000. The flat's owner was not at home at the time.
The tourist was arrested at Dubai International Airport while trying to flee the country with some of the stolen items, which were found hidden inside the hollow frame of his bicycle.
An Emirati police officer HM, 47, said that the tourist confessed to the burglary, as well as a number of others.
"He said that two other men helped him in the burglaries and took their shares of the proceeds but when he tried to get out of the country with his share he was caught," said the policeman.
In court, the tourist admitted a charge of burglary. The next hearing was scheduled for November 26.
salamir@thenational.ae
