Police Seek 'hypnotising Diamond Thief'

Published on 21/04/09

Police in Mumbai are stumped in their hunt for a thief who stole diamond jewellery by hypnotising a shop assistant, according to a source.

Authorities are looking for a man who got away with items worth R 80 lakh (£10,900) and managed to avoid security cameras in the process, reports dnaindia.com.

The thief asked a worker at a Bandra jewellery outlet to let him see some of the shop's glittering pieces, saying he wanted to buy a gift for a friend, lovers of diamond bracelets and diamond drop earrings may be interested to hear.

However, when he was handed the items he is thought to have hypnotised the assistant and made off with the jewels, the website states.

In related news, last month a raider stole a gemstone-encrusted band from an outlet in Melbourne after smashing through the store's window in broad daylight.

The thief was able to escape with a ring worth AUS $1 million (£479,000).