A former jewelry store manager in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after stealing more than $170,000 worth of jewelry and cash—and flaunting the loot in selfies sent to her coworkers while on vacation.
According to a statement from Humberside Police, Lucy Roberts, 39, regularly took valuable items home during her year of employment at an unnamed luxury jeweler. She reportedly told colleagues she was “sorting stock for the workshop” or doing “work at home” whenever suspicions arose.
The theft only came to light after Roberts resigned and went on a cruise, sending former coworkers vacation photos of herself wearing the stolen merchandise, including diamonds and bespoke gold and silver pieces.
“Without a care in the world, dripping in diamonds, thinking she had deceived everybody,” said Detective Sgt. Krista Wilkinson.
A police search of Roberts’ home uncovered thousands of pounds’ worth of jewelry hidden in boxes under the bed and in cupboards. She was eventually arrested at Heathrow Airport, where officers found her wearing a substantial amount of stolen jewelry, with even more in her suitcase. Body camera footage reportedly shows Roberts attempting to dispose of the items as she was escorted through the terminal.
At first, Roberts denied the theft, blaming a coworker and claiming she had borrowed some items. She later pleaded guilty to theft by an employee.
The jeweler has expressed relief, with a statement saying it is “pleased to finally have closure on the matter after several years.”
