A British woman, Lucy Roberts, found herself in hot water after a cruise holiday. The 39-year-old from Swanland, Yorkshire, was apprehended at Heathrow Airport. Her crime? Smuggling nearly £15,000 worth of stolen jewellery from her former workplace.
The Suspicious Getaway
Roberts had been the store manager at Daniella Draper Beverly, a high-end jeweller. During her tenure, she often took jewellery home, claiming it was to sort stock. This behaviour raised eyebrows among her colleagues. After resigning in early 2025, she embarked on a cruise, but her timing and actions were questionable.
Selfies That Gave Her Away
While on her cruise, Roberts sent selfies to her former colleagues. In these photos, she flaunted luxury jewellery. Her colleagues quickly recognised these items as missing stock from the store. Alarmed, they contacted the police, leading to a swift investigation.
Arrest at Heathrow
Upon her return, Roberts was arrested at Heathrow Airport. She was caught wearing £1,015 worth of stolen jewellery. Additionally, her suitcase contained another £13,880 worth. Body camera footage even captured her attempting to dispose of more jewellery during the arrest.
What Police Discovered
A search of Roberts’ home revealed a treasure trove of stolen goods. Police found 269 items valued at approximately £108,000. Including the jewellery from her cruise, the total theft amounted to around £125,000. Further investigations uncovered fraudulent returns and falsified stock counts.
Legal Consequences
Roberts faced Grimsby Crown Court, where she pleaded guilty to theft. She received a 28-month prison sentence. Detective Sgt. Krista Wilkinson of Humberside Police expressed disappointment, highlighting the betrayal of trust towards her employer and colleagues.
Jewellery Crimes on Cruises
Roberts’ case isn’t isolated. Earlier in 2025, an elderly couple on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation faced accusations of stealing a $1,100 ring in Sicily. Although the ship had departed, police intercepted them in Naples, recovering the ring. Their case remains unresolved.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and integrity. For cruise enthusiasts, it’s a cautionary tale about the consequences of dishonest actions. As always, enjoy your cruise holidays responsibly and ethically.
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