Raider jailed for three years after stealing Dh700,000 of valuables in Dubai villa break-in



A raider who was part of a criminal gang who forced their way into a Dubai villa before snatching more than Dh700,000 worth of valuables has been jailed for three years.

The offenders scaled a wall at the property in Al Warqaa  and used a screwdriver to break open a back door and gain entry.

The occupants were away in Abu Dhabi when the burglary took place on January 8 of this year.

The Emirati home owner, 37, said the thieves stole all of her jewellery, including green diamond earrings, several diamond sets, gold necklaces and bracelets, as well as hand watches, five mobile phones and hard discs containing private pictures of herself.

“I kept them in a safe in my bedroom wardrobe,” said the owner.

A Yemeni officer said that police received a report from the villa's owner after her house was found in a mess.
"She said that her two maids, who returned to the villa after spending the night at her sister's home, found the place a mess and informed her immediately," said the officer, 42.

Initial investigations found that the 36-year-old Chinese accused and two countrymen, who remain at large, were involved in the robbery.
On January 15, the accused was apprehended at Dubai's International City and admitted his role in the robbery during police questioning.
"He claimed that while his two accomplices broke the backside door with a screwdriver and gained entry to the villa, he remained outside in a rented car as look out. He also said that they committed several other heists," the officer added.
It was disclosed in records where the valuables were found.

The defendant denied a robbery charge in court last May but he was convicted and will be deported after serving his term.