Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Jul 8: Incidents of theft targeting unoccupied homes have resurfaced in Udupi, with a series of burglaries reported in Kodankur. The miscreants involved in the incidents are yet to be identified.
One of the major thefts occurred at the residence of Shakuntala Shetty, who usually stays at her niece’s home in Ammunje and visits her Kodankur house once every 15 days for cleaning. On June 20, she had visited the house as usual. On July 7, her neighbour Vasudeva Rao informed her over the phone that the lock on her house door had been broken. Upon arrival, she found the front door open and discovered that miscreants had forcefully broken in and looted gold and silver ornaments worth around Rs 1.7 lac. The stolen items included gold earrings, a Lakshmi pendant, gold rings, a red coral gold chain, a black-beaded gold chain, a silver waist belt, and silver anklets.
Burglars also broke into the house of Ashwath, a resident of Kodankur who has been running a tile business in Shikaripura for the past three years. His mother lives in the house, and his niece Chaitra visits weekly. Fifteen days ago, Ashwath had taken his mother to Shikaripura. On July 5, Chaitra visited the Kodankur house but went to her friend’s place afterward. The next morning, she discovered the front portion of the house broken and belongings scattered. The burglars had stolen 5 grams of gold earrings, a 2-gram gold pendant, and Rs 20,000 cash. A separate case has been registered at the city police station.
Another resident, Kalavathi, had left for Bengaluru with her husband on July 5. On July 6, neighbours called her to inform her about a break-in. Her son-in-law Sudhakar visited the house and found that the door lock was broken using some tool, and the Godrej cupboard was damaged. The details of the stolen valuables are yet to be ascertained.
Incidents of theft in flats across the city by masked intruders a year ago also remain unsolved. Theft cases in Budnar, chain snatching in Moodusagri, and the looting of gold ornaments from a government residential complex opposite the city police station are still under investigation. Lack of adequate CCTV surveillance in the city is believed to be aiding the burglars.
Though several homes are situated in the area, none of the neighbours were aware of the thefts. The incidents are suspected to have occurred after 1 am, amid heavy rainfall, making it difficult for neighbours to notice any unusual activity. It is suspected that the visible padlocks on the gates may have alerted the burglars that the homes were vacant.
According to available information, two masked men are suspected to be behind the crimes. CCTV footage shows two individuals arriving from the main road near the highway. Similar thefts in the past have also targeted vacant homes, leading to suspicions that the same gang may be involved in the latest incidents.
The district police superintendent has confirmed that multiple CCTV footages are being examined and that efforts are underway to crack the Kodankur burglary cases.
To prevent such incidents, the police have issued several safety recommendations for residents. Citizens are advised to inform the local police station before traveling out of town. It is also suggested that even if a padlock is used, the latch should not be visibly locked, as it may signal that the house is unoccupied. Installing CCTV cameras at home can act as a deterrent and aid investigations. Additionally, people should refrain from posting travel plans on social media, and it is advisable to store valuables like gold and other ornaments in bank lockers before going on long trips.