A lift engineer with access to a luxurious £7 million property in Belgravia has been convicted of stealing £103,000 worth of jewellery and precious gems to fund his drug addiction.
The 34-year-old, who was employed to service the lift in the high-end London residence, took advantage of his position to pilfer valuables from the homeowners over several months.
How the Theft Unfolded
The engineer, whose name has been withheld for legal reasons, systematically stole items including diamond rings, gold bracelets, and other high-value pieces. He later sold them to pawn shops and dealers to sustain his drug habit.
Authorities became suspicious when the homeowners reported missing items. Investigators traced the stolen goods back to the suspect through CCTV footage and pawn shop records.
Justice Served
After pleading guilty to theft, the man was sentenced to three years in prison. The judge described his actions as a "gross breach of trust" and noted the significant emotional distress caused to the victims.
Police have since recovered some of the stolen items, but many remain missing.
A Warning to Homeowners
This case serves as a stark reminder for property owners to vet contractors thoroughly and secure valuables when allowing workers into their homes.
