ByJonathan Kalmus, Jonathan Kalmus
A Jewish jeweller who helped police catch an organised crime gang responsible for a £220,000 diamond heist has helped police again, this time to net a member of a violent Colombian international crime ring.
The Manchester jeweller, who wishes to remain anonymous, was attacked by two men on Singleton Road in Broughton Park, Salford, in October 2011. He was injured and £80,000 worth of diamonds and pearls were stolen.
The jeweller helped direct police to CCTV footage, identifying one culprit who was carrying out reconnaissance of the trader on the day of the robbery.
Charles Rodriguez, 31, a Colombian-born member of the London-based South American organised crime group the Latin Kings, was arrested after fleeing the UK.
On Monday, Rodriguez was jailed for five years and four months at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to robbery.
In 2011, the same Jewish jeweller helped police jail another gang who stole £220,000 of diamonds by placing tracking devices on the cars of Jewish diamond traders.
After becoming suspicious he took his car to a mechanic who uncovered the device. Two men were eventually jailed for a total of six years for their involvement.