DUBAI // A burglar who broke into a Jumeirah villa and stole jewellery and cash valued at Dh400,000 must see out his three-year prison term.
The 45-year-old Colombian admitted burglary, trespassing and damaging property and was jailed by Dubai Criminal Court. The Appeal Court upheld the sentence.
On June 26 last year, the defendant broke into the house belonging to an Egyptian and stole two safes.
“One contained my wife’s jewellery and the other Dh100,000 in cash,” said the 59-year-old victim.
He and his wife had left their home about 6pm and returned three hours later to find the door unlocked. His wife hurried to the bedroom, found the safes missing and then called police.
Officers collected evidence from the scene that connected the defendant to the crime.
“He was arrested shortly after in a sting operation and told us that he and an American had committed the crime,” said an Emirati police lieutenant.
The burglar told officers how he and his accomplice rang the villa’s door bell to ensure no one was home.
“He then climbed the wall and broke in using sharp tools. He split the stolen items and cash with his partner,” the officer said.
The American then left the UAE and travelled to Oman.
The Colombian will be deported after completing his sentence.
salamir@thenational.ae
