Thieves become extremely active during holidays, especially during summer, taking advantage of the fact that houses are locked.
If you are planning to go out of station during summer holidays, you must take extra precautions to avoid house break-ins. Thieves become extremely active during holidays, especially during summer, taking advantage of the fact that houses are locked.
The city witnessed 11 house breakings in the past 72 hours: four in Navi Sangvi, two in Lohegaon, one each in Hadapsar, Aundh, Bhosari, Pimpri and Pimple Gurav.
In six of these cases, the houses targeted were locked as owners had gone out of station with their families.
According to the police, about 20% to 25% house break-ins are committed during the summer vacation in the city every year.
Senior police inspector ST Tayade of Sangvi police station told DNA, “The city police have been making constant endeavours to educate people on how they should take extra precautions while leaving homes under lock and key.” He said the Sangvi police intensify patrolling, particularly during night during vacations.
According to crime branch officials of the city police, a section of those involved in this crime prefer locked houses. “The criminals have a strong network and keep a watch on the houses and flats that are locked for a considerable period of time. They commit the crime during the wee hours,” said a crime branch official.
Police officials said there are cases of house breakings during summer when owners and family members sleep on the terrace while the houses are locked.
Assistant police commissioner (crime) Prabhakar Patil told DNA, “We have increased police patrolling, especially in areas that are prone to house break-ins. Most of the cases are generally reported from the outskirts of the city.”
He said besides night patrolling, the police also carry out nakabandi at nine spots in the city to nab suspects.
The police sources said suspects wait for some time after stealing the booty before disposing it of in the market.
Speaking about the modus operandi of the culprits, the police officials said thieves work in groups - at least two are involved in an incident. Moreover, people who install coolers, which make a loud noise, help them break in easily.
The police said suspects keep a watch on closed house/flat and also make enquiries (posing as friends) at gullible neighbours about the house owner’s whereabouts, before planning their operations.
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