Cops nab diamond thief
GYMPIE jewellers Ken and Pauline Murphey, who had their first piece stolen in 45 years of business, congratulated police on their lightening-fast response in finding and returning the missing ring.
The 18-carat yellow gold and diamond ring, retailed at $8500, was taken from Gympie Manufacturing Jewellers on Friday, allegedly by a person posing as a customer.
Police officers on foot patrol in Mary St got the call to Cullinanes Plaza at 11am and were on the job in a matter of minutes.
By midday the ring was back on display in the store window.
The Murpheys joined Gympie police officer in charge, Senior Sergeant Graeme Reeves, in praising officers for their quick and thorough investigation.
Officers allege that on questioning a possible suspect in Mary St, they heard the tinkle of metal as the man threw rubbish in a metal bin. They searched the bin and found the ring wrapped in tissues.
Mrs Murphey could hardly describe her relief when police officers walked back into the store.
"They responded so quickly and did a great job getting the ring back," she said. "Within an hour we had it back. It was a relief."
The Murpheys have been operating the jewellery manufacturing and retailing business in Gympie since 1991 and before that in Brisbane and overseas. It is the first jewellery theft in Mr Murphey's 45 years of making jewellery.
"You hear about it but never expect it to happen to you," he said.
Snr Sgt Reeves said it was an example of the excellent results of providing high visibility police presence in Gympie's CDB.
A 33-year-old Gympie man has been charged.
IS IT YOURS?
Have you had jewellery stolen in the past few years?
Brisbane detectives recently recovered a large amount of stolen jewellery during investigations in South Brisbane.
The jewellery is believed to have been stolen over a period of several years, and police are looking to reunite stolen items with their owners.
If you had jewellery stolen go to mypolice.qld.gov.au and search for jewellery to view photos and more information.
