By Belize Live News Staff: A Belize City businessman was assaulted and robbed during an early morning home invasion in the Bella Vista area on Wednesday.
Police say the 68 year old man was asleep when his home alarm was triggered at around 3:00 a.m.
When he got up to check, he reportedly encountered three masked men inside the house.
One of the intruders allegedly pointed a firearm at him, struck him on the head and forced him back into his bedroom.
The men then allegedly stole a metal safe containing passports, identification documents, a luxury wristwatch and several cellphones.
Among the items reported stolen was a Jaeger LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme World watch valued at US$20,000.
Police say the total value of the stolen property was around $45,000 BZD.
Investigators observed damage to security doors and believe the suspects forced their way into the lower flat before entering the rest of the home.
The scene was processed and partial fingerprints were recovered.
The victim was issued a medico legal form and taken to hospital with an abrasion to the right side of his head.
Police have identified a person of interest and continue to investigate.
