Thieves put Halloween fright into Mexico City heist

MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Thieves disguised as zombies and mummies got into the Day of the Dead spirit in Mexico, robbing goods worth US$77,000 (S$95,600) from a jewellery store in the capital, authorities said on Sunday.

"Five individuals wearing zombie, mummy, Chucky and clown costumes, overnight Saturday broke into the shop and using small and larger weapons, subdued employees," the public safety office said in a statement.

The assailants, still at large, made off with 24-karat gold and many pieces of jewelry, the statement added.

As many countries geared up for Halloween, Mexicans on November 1-2 honoured their dead with pre-Hispanic traditions of bringing food and parties to their gravesides.

It is not uncommon to see people in costumes on those days, a factor the thieves took advantage of.

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