Man posing as customer steals from jewellery store, arrested

BENGALURU: The Jnanabharati police have arrested a Hiriyur native for duping jewellery stores by posing as a potential customer and making away with gold ornaments after diverting the attention of the staff.

The accused, identified as Rajesh, was caught on camera stealing a gold ring from a store in the city. He had entered the jewellery store wearing a blue T-shirt and asked the staff to show him some rings.

As the staff member was showing him various designs, Rajesh diverted their attention and stole a ring from the tray. He then replaced it with a fake one and left the store without making a purchase saying he would return when they get newer designs.

The man slips a ring on his finger when the staffer was attending to another customer.

The same modus operandi was used in two other jewellery stores, including Malabar Jewellery in Nagarabhavi and a store in Bhuvaneshwari Nagar. After a complaint was lodged, the police reviewed the CCTV footage and arrested Rajesh.

He leaves after stealing a ring.

He confessed that he was a betting addict and had turned to theft to fund his habit. He had been targeting jewellery stores, using his charm and style to distract the staff and steal valuable items.