Thieves Steal Millions in Checks From Southern Israel Factory

A factory owner in the Sdot Negev Regional Council filed a complaint with the Netivot police on Monday after discovering his factory had been burglarized during the recent holiday. A gang of thieves is suspected of breaking into the facility and stealing a safe containing checks valued at millions of shekels. A security alert was triggered at the factory during the holiday, but responding forces found no sign of a break-in at the time. The owner only discovered the theft upon returning to the factory after the holiday. The owner, a prominent businessman, purchased the factory, considered one of the largest in Israel, just one year ago. Police have opened an investigation into the incident.

In a separate but similar incident, a gang broke into a home in the Merhavim Regional Council while the owners were away during the holiday. The burglars stole jewelry and gold, and also managed to break into a safe containing a handgun belonging to the homeowner. Police are also investigating this case.