Bitcoin has been in the news daily for the past month for a number of reasons. From its meteoric rise to almost $20,000 per Bitcoin, to its subsequent drop to less than $10,000 per Bitcoin less than a month later. From new investors flocking to the cryptocurrency to try to capitalize on the Bitcoin gold rush of the 21st century, to regulatory bodies in multiple governments taxing, regulating, or downright banning the cryptocurrency. Surrounded by much controversy and confusion, Bitcoin is as mainstream and coveted as jewelry at this point. And now it’s getting robbed just the same.
This past week in the UK, Thames Valley Police investigated an aggravated burglary which took place in Moulsford, Oxfordshire. According to The Daily Mail, armed intruders stormed a wealthy village home in the area and held a Bitcoin trader at gunpoint, forcing the man to transfer Bitcoin to them on his computer:
The heist – believed to be the first of its kind in Britain – comes as the virtual currency has soared in value to just under £8,000 for a single coin.
Four thugs in balaclavas broke into the house, which is owned by trader Danny Aston and his wife, Amy Jay.
They tied up Ms Jay and put the couple’s baby outside in a pram, before threatening Mr Aston with a gun and forcing him to transfer his Bitcoin into their control.
When news of the heist reached the community, schools went on lockdown, police were sent to the seen, and residents of the village are on high alert and worried that something like this could happen again.
At this point no arrests have been made. However, the heist raises concern that more thievery of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency could make its way out of the internet and into the streets. With such a coveted currency still in its infant stages, the potential for crime is high.
Still, police compare the theft of cryptocurrency to the theft of a rare painting – trying to exchange the stolen property will likely raise suspicion.
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