Key Takeaways
- New Zealand police have recovered a Fabergé egg pendant from a man who allegedly swallowed it in a jewelry store.
- The pendant, valued at NZ$33,000 ($19,000), was recovered from the suspect’s gastrointestinal tract after six days of monitoring.
- The suspect, a 32-year-old man, has been in custody since the alleged theft on November 28 and is due to appear in court on December 8.
- The pendant is a limited-edition, Fabergé egg pendant inspired by the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy.
- The police had to station officers with the suspect round the clock to wait for the evidence to emerge, as part of their duty of care.
Introduction to the Incident
The New Zealand police have successfully recovered a valuable Fabergé egg pendant from a man who allegedly swallowed it in a jewelry store. The incident occurred on November 28 at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland, where the 32-year-old suspect was arrested minutes after the alleged theft. The pendant, valued at NZ$33,000 ($19,000), is a limited-edition piece inspired by the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy. The police have been monitoring the suspect’s every bowel movement for six days, and the pendant was finally recovered from his gastrointestinal tract on Thursday night without requiring medical intervention.
The Recovery Process
The recovery process was a lengthy and unusual one, with police officers stationed round the clock with the suspect to wait for the evidence to emerge. This was part of their duty of care, as the suspect was in police custody and the police had a responsibility to ensure his safety and well-being. The police spokesperson said that the suspect’s every bowel movement was monitored for six days, and the pendant was finally recovered on Thursday night by natural means. The pendant was found to be still attached to a long, gold chain with an intact price tag, and a photo of the recovered pendant was released by the police.
The Fabergé Egg Pendant
The Fabergé egg pendant is a highly valuable and unique piece, one of only 50 made. It is crafted from gold, painted with green enamel, and encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. The pendant is 8.4cm (3.3in) tall and is mounted on a stand. The egg opens to reveal an 18ct yellow gold octopus nestled inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes. The octopus surprise pays homage to the eponymous antagonist at the centre of the Octopussy film. The pendant is a limited-edition piece inspired by the 1983 James Bond film, and its value and uniqueness make it a highly sought-after item.
The Suspect and the Investigation
The suspect, a 32-year-old man, has been in custody since the alleged theft on November 28. He is due to appear in the Auckland district court on December 8, where he will face a charge of theft. At his first appearance on November 29, he did not enter a plea. The police have been investigating the incident, and the recovery of the pendant is a significant development in the case. The police spokesperson said that the necklace and the man would remain in police custody, and the suspect will face the consequences of his actions.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The recovery of the Fabergé egg pendant is a remarkable story, and it highlights the dedication and persistence of the New Zealand police. The suspect’s actions were unusual and desperate, and the police had to think outside the box to recover the evidence. The case will now proceed to court, where the suspect will face the consequences of his actions. The police have done an excellent job in recovering the pendant, and the owner of the jewelry store can rest assured that the valuable item has been recovered. The incident is a reminder of the importance of vigilance and security in jewelry stores, and it highlights the need for effective measures to prevent theft and recover stolen items.
