Manama, Oct 19: A diamond necklace worth more than
US$1 million was reported stolen from a stand at an
international jewelry exhibition, event organizers and a
security company official said today.
The Cartier necklace was stolen last night from the stand
its owners, a well-known local company known as Asia jewelers,
had set up at the Bahrain Exhibition Center. The jewelry show,
which opened oct.15, closed today.
Police and Asia jewelers officials were not available for
comment.
It was the first theft of its kind at the annual
exhibition, which began in 1992.
"I think it is done by a professional," said Younis
al Jama," owner of home secure, which has provided
surveillance cameras to the event for the past six years.
Armed police were stationed at exits and entrances.
Although the venue had many exits, all but one entry and one
exit point were closed for the show.
Show organizers, speaking on condition of anonymity
today, said that after the theft was reported yesterday police
searched some 2,000 visitors. The necklace was not found.
This year's event dubbed, jewelry Arabia 2002, feature
US$1 billion worth of diamonds and other gems, gold and
silvery jewelry, and watches. Some 500 companies from 36
countries, including Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Hong Kong,
India and Thailand took part.
Bureau Report
