In a sophisticated burglary, a jewellery store in Delhi’s Dariba Kalan market was robbed early this morning. The thieves, utilising a vacant adjacent shop, drilled a hole through the wall to gain entry, and removed the store’s CCTV cameras.
Details of the Heist
Kirit Bhai Soni, the store’s owner, recounted the morning’s discovery. “This is a very old shop. When I tried to open the shutter this morning, I couldn’t, so I called a man for help. When he lifted the shutter, he said that all the jewellery on the counter was gone. When the shutter was lifted, I saw the showcase was empty and there was a gaping hole in one of the walls,” Soni explained.
The culprits made off with nearly ₹1 lakh in cash and approximately 14 kilograms of silver jewellery. The incident has surprised local traders and the broader community, given the market’s typically busy nature.
Community Reaction and Security Lapses
Another local shopkeeper, Deepak Soni, noted the deliberate nature of the crime: “This looks like a pre-planned crime. This couldn’t have been done without a recce because they have drilled a hole into the wall and taken away the cameras also,” he stated, pointing out the inadequate security measures at the market. “There are not many CCTV cameras here (at the market). The ones that are here don’t work. There’s a security guard also but he is almost always unavailable,” he added.
Police Investigation and Historical Context
The police have begun an investigation, including the examination of nearby functioning CCTV footage and the engagement of forensic experts. This incident follows a similar burglary last year at a south Delhi store in Jangpura, where a thief used a similar method to steal valuable ornaments.
Implications for Jewellers
This pattern of jewellery store heists in Delhi highlights a critical need for jewellers to reassess their security protocols. Jewellers may consider enhancing physical security measures, integrating advanced surveillance technologies, and possibly collaborating on community-wide security initiatives to mitigate such risks. This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist even in bustling marketplaces and the methods employed by criminals targeting high-value goods.
