Key Takeaways
- A 32-year-old man has been charged with theft after allegedly stealing a $33,585 pendant from an Auckland jewellery store by swallowing it.
- The pendant is a limited-edition Fabergé James Bond Octopussy Egg, featuring an 18k yellow gold and green guilloché enamel Fabergé egg inlaid with diamonds and sapphires.
- The man was arrested inside the store minutes after the incident and has been remanded in custody to reappear in the Auckland District Court on December 8.
- The pendant has not yet been recovered, and the police are still investigating the incident.
Introduction to the Incident
A bizarre incident occurred in an Auckland jewellery store on Friday, where a man allegedly stole a pendant worth more than $30,000 by swallowing it. According to Inspector Grae Anderson, police were called to the store in central Auckland around 3:30 pm, and upon arrival, they found that a man had allegedly picked up a pendant and swallowed it. The pendant in question is a limited-edition Fabergé James Bond Octopussy Egg, which features an 18k yellow gold and green guilloché enamel Fabergé egg inlaid with diamonds and sapphires. The locket is a nod to the 1983 film featuring the fictional Secret Service spy, James Bond, and is valued at $33,585.
The Arrest and Charges
The 32-year-old man was arrested inside the store minutes after the incident, and he has been charged with theft. According to Anderson, the pendant has not yet been recovered, and the police are still investigating the incident. The man has been remanded in custody to reappear in the Auckland District Court on December 8. It is unclear how the police plan to recover the pendant, but it is likely that they will be working with medical professionals to determine the best course of action. The incident has raised questions about the security measures in place at the jewellery store and how someone was able to swallow a valuable pendant without being detected.
The Pendant’s Significance
The limited-edition Fabergé James Bond Octopussy Egg pendant is a significant item, not only because of its value but also because of its cultural significance. The pendant features an 18k yellow gold and green guilloché enamel Fabergé egg inlaid with diamonds and sapphires, making it a unique and valuable item. The locket also features an octopus set inside with black diamonds for eyes, adding to its intricacy and beauty. The pendant is a nod to the 1983 film featuring James Bond, and its limited-edition status makes it a rare and sought-after item among collectors.
Investigation and Recovery
The police are still investigating the incident, and it is unclear how they plan to recover the pendant. The man’s arrest and charges are a significant step in the investigation, but the recovery of the pendant is still a priority. The police may work with medical professionals to determine the best course of action for recovering the pendant, which could involve waiting for it to pass through the man’s digestive system or using other methods to retrieve it. The incident has raised questions about the security measures in place at the jewellery store, and it is likely that the store will be reviewing its policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident at the Auckland jewellery store is a bizarre and unfortunate event that highlights the importance of security measures in place at retail stores. The man’s arrest and charges are a significant step in the investigation, but the recovery of the pendant is still a priority. The police will continue to investigate the incident, and the man will reappear in court on December 8 to face the charges against him. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security and the need for retailers to be vigilant in protecting their valuable items. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will come to light about the incident and the measures that will be taken to recover the pendant.


