A CHINESE man has been arrested in connection with the theft of two diamond necklaces worth more than BD80,000 from the Jewellery Arabia exhibition, it has emerged.
He was taken to the Public Prosecution for questioning after being apprehended by Capital Governorate police.
Sources told the GDN that the suspect denied stealing the items during interrogations at the police station.
He was reportedly questioned for more than three hours, however, it remained unclear yesterday whether the suspect would continue to be remanded in custody.
The diamond necklaces, worth a estimated total of BD80,000, were stolen from Kooheji Jewellers in Hall Two of the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC) at around 11.30am on Tuesday.
It was first of two thefts which occurred on the opening day of the Gulf's largest jewellery and watch exhibition.
Just three hours later, a diamond worth around BD26,000 was then stolen from Mattar Jewellers, in Hall One, at around 2.30pm.
Both thefts took place after the official opening of the five-day exhibition, which ends tomorrow, but before it had opened to the public.
This was despite a heavy security presence, with more than 100 members of the police force as well as private guards on site.
Following the thefts, security was stepped up at the exhibition, with notices given to all exhibitors, urging them to take a series of measures to avoid any further thefts.
Balmoral Risk Management Services - the company responsible for security at the venue - also set up a special hotline for exhibitors to call as soon as any theft is suspected.
A total of 4,321 visitors attended the first day of the 18th annual expo, which was officially opened by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro hailed the success of the show, saying a huge amount of skill was required to put the event on.
"Such a huge event requires superior management capabilities and both Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority and Arabian Exhibition Management have surpassed themselves with the success this event once again," he said.
"It is clear that Bahrain's jewellery exhibition industry is in a leading position when, during a year of global economic slowdown the event has increased from 506 exhibitors last year to 600 this year.
"The enormity of the task of organising such an event should not be overlooked and it is clear that a lot of work went into this being a magnificent showcase for Bahrain."
For more information on Jewellery Arabia visit the website www.jewelleryarabia.com.
danm@gdn.com.bh
