Manuel’s jewelry shop cleaned out by thieves

Another business that was targeted by thieves was Manuel’s Jewelry Shop on West Canal, also in Belize City. Proprietor of the business, fifty-five year old Manuel Matute told police that the bandits pounced on him around four-thirty on Monday afternoon and cleaned out his jewelry showcase. Matute spoke with News Five off camera about the incident.

Voice of Manuel Matute, Robbery Victim
“I was working and my cousin was in here with me and I was concentrating on a job that I had on the table. I heard a voice that said “don’t move” but I didn’t pay it no serious attention. Then when I heard it again I looked up and when I looked up I conscious a guy was behind the counter already and one was standing at the door with the gun. That is when we realized that something was going on. He told me not to move and to give him the keys for the showcase. So I gave him the keys and they opened it and took out what was in there. After that they just leave. We had some watches, some rings, some earrings, I think some silver bangles.”

Marion Ali
“Do you think that these were people who were here before doing business with you and might have study your movement?”

Voice of Manuel Matute
“I cannot tell because I cannot recognize them; new faces I see.”

Marion Ali
“How much does the loss amount to?”

Voice of Manuel Matute
“We estimate we had about between four to eight thousand dollars we mi have. At the beginning I didn’t really feel but as time, you wah start feel more ah di the effects right? We intend fi put bars like the other business places and continue working.”

Matute says his attackers who rode up on bicycles, heading in different directions after they committed the robbery.

Police don’t have anyone in custody as yet but according to Superintendent Julio Valdez who heads the C.I.B., they’re getting close to making an arrest.

Supt. Julio Valdez, O.C., C.I.B.
“That matter is also being looked at. We have people looking at and following that case. Also, we have one person who we believe was involved in that hold up. We are looking for that person but I know it’s more than one; it’s two persons but we’re sure of one at this time and we’re looking for him.”

Marion Ali
“Has any of the jewelry been recovered?”

Supt. Julio Valdez, O.C., C.I.B.
“Not at this time but we have people conducting some investigation out there and doing work out in the field right now.”

The jewelry has not been recovered and Matute is asking the public to call the police if the jewelry is to surface.