Man arrested for R$1.4 million robbery at jewelry store in Araçatuba

A man was temporarily arrested this Saturday morning (26) during "Operation Aurum", launched by the Civil Police against the perpetrator of a robbery at a jewelry store in Araçatuba (SP). The crime occurred on September 15th and caused an estimated loss of R$1.4 million.

According to investigations, the suspect posed as a fake customer to enter the establishment. He then locked the employees in the bathroom and fled with around 1.8 kg of gold and silver pieces towards the city's Camelódromo.

In total, 40 professionals participated in the police action this Saturday. In addition to the temporary arrest warrant, the teams carried out five search and seizure warrants.

Security cameras recorded the criminal's action, which lasted around 10 minutes. At around 5:30 pm on the day of the crime, the suspect was welcomed into the store, located in the Center, by one of the three employees who worked there at the time of the incident. He was wearing a plaid blouse, jeans, prescription glasses and a hat.

At this point, he said he was planning to get married and asked to see rings from the catalogue, even trying on the pieces. Afterwards, he asked to see cords and necklaces and, when the employee finished the service, he announced the robbery, placing his hand on his waist and signaling that he had a firearm.

Then, he gave a grocery bag and asked the employees to put the jewelry in it. While monitoring the hostages' movement, he sat in a chair and put on a surgical mask.

After that, he locked the employees in the bathroom and fled with the gold and silver items, heading towards the Camelódromo. The total loss was R$1.4 million in approximately 1.8 kg of gold items taken from the jewelry store.

During the investigations at the residences registered in the investigation, the police located and seized stolen jewelry, around R$1,500 in cash, cell phones and a luxury vehicle.

In addition to the goods, the teams seized a simulated firearm and items of clothing worn by the criminal on the day of the robbery. At the search site, agents also documented burned objects, which will undergo technical expertise to verify whether they were destroyed with the aim of hiding evidence.

All material collected was sent to the headquarters of the Specialized Criminal Investigations Division (DEIC) in Araçatuba. The person being investigated had his temporary arrest formalized.