Mumbai: Thieves strike 15 Kanjurmarg houses while residents enjoy vacation

While residents of Ashok Nagar in Kanjurmarg enjoyed their vacation away from home, some thieves also made merry by striking their residences. It was reported on Sunday that as many as 15 houses were broken-in in the area, and the miscreants decamped with cash and valuables worth Rs 5.09 lakh from nine of the houses.

According to the police, the thefts took place between 2.30 and 3am on Sunday. "All the houses were vacant and locked for the last many days, as the families were away on vacation. When a few locals woke up early in the morning, they realised that the houses had been looted. At least 15 houses in Ashok Nagar were targeted," said an officer from the Kanjurmarg police station.

"We have been living in this locality for the last three decades. This is the first time that such a large-scale theft has taken place in Ashok Nagar. We request the police to intensify their patrolling in the locality," said Ragho Gaonkar (30), owner of one of the houses targeted by the thieves.

Meanwhile, fingerprint experts and dog squad were pressed into service. "It was learnt that the thieves could pillage only nine of the 15 houses. All the main door locks were broken. We have taken fingerprints from the spot and sent them to the forensic department. CCTV footage is being checked for clues," said senior police inspector AL Satpute.

The police have registered a case under sections 457 (lurking house-trespass or house-break-in by night in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment), 380 (theft in dwelling house), 511 (attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the unknown accused.