Jewelry Stolen from SEEPZ Unit

Diamond studded jewelry, weighing approximately 10 kilograms and believed to be worth about Rs 100 lakh (~$250,000), was reportedly stolen from a factory within the high-security SEEPZ Special Economic Zone in Andheri, Mumbai last weekend.

The theft at Shankar Jewels, a unit in the Gem and Jewellery Complex II, was detected when the company opened on Monday morning. The factory had been locked after staff left the premises on Saturday night.

Despite the tight security surrounding the SEZ, police investigators believe that one of the robbers gained entry into the unit by removing the wire mesh on the toilet windows and then let in the remaining accomplices through the front door. The intruders appeared to have some knowledge about the location of the factory’s safe.

SEEPZ SEZ is home to the majority of India’s modern sector jewelry exporters. Of India’s total jewelry exports of $5,210.69 million during full year 2006-2007, units within SEEPZ accounted for more than 40 percent, or $2,222.31 million worth of exports.

The SEZ is a high entry area. Admittance is restricted to those holding valid ID cards issued by the administration. Visitors need special permits to enter.