Turkish police have arrested a suspect accused of using a stolen forklift to break into a jewelry store in Kayseri on February 9, 2026, in a burglary that quickly gained attention due to the suspect’s unusual escape method. According to official statements, the masked individual rammed the storefront with the forklift, stole approximately 150 grams of gold valued at around $12,000, and fled the scene on a donkey.

Security camera footage captured the entire sequence, including the moment the suspect abandoned the heavy machinery and mounted the animal to leave the area. While the mask initially obscured his identity, investigators were able to use the donkey footage to track his movements and identify him, leading to a swift arrest.

Authorities emphasized that the case highlights the effectiveness of surveillance systems, particularly when multiple cameras provide continuous coverage beyond the immediate crime scene. In this instance, the distinctive getaway allowed police to reconstruct the suspect’s route and match it with local knowledge of animal ownership and movement patterns.

The incident also reflects the intersection of modern criminal tactics and traditional transportation methods in regions where working animals remain part of daily life. Despite the unusual nature of the escape, law enforcement treated the case as a standard ram-raid investigation, focusing on stolen equipment, forensic evidence, and video analysis.

Police have recovered the stolen gold and returned it to the store owner, and the suspect now faces charges related to theft, property damage, and unlawful use of heavy machinery. The rapid resolution of the case underscores how even unconventional attempts to evade capture can be overcome through coordinated investigative work and comprehensive video monitoring.