Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Udupi, July 27: A wave of burglaries targeting unoccupied homes has continued across Udupi district, with 10 cases of theft or attempted theft reported in July alone. Despite this surge, police have so far arrested only four accused, while others remain unidentified and absconding.
Between July 1 and 26, eight cases were reported under the jurisdiction of Udupi Town police station, and one each in the Hiriadka and Byndoor station limits.
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Serial thefts at Kodankur
On July 5, three houses in Kodankur area of Udupi were burgled. Gold ornaments and cash worth thousands of rupees were stolen. Investigations revealed that the thieves had entered and exited the area on foot via the highway. However, the absence of CCTV footage in the vicinity has hindered the identification and arrest of the culprits.
Burglary at Bellarpady
On July 13, burglars broke into a house in Bellarpady under the jurisdiction of Hiriadka police station and escaped with gold ornaments worth around Rs 63,000. The miscreants left behind a bike at the scene, which had a fake registration number. Although police have seized the vehicle, the accused remain untraced.
Theft at police quarters and revenue department building
On the morning of July 20, thieves broke into the police quarters and the revenue department building near Koogalte in Udupi Town limits, and fled with valuables worth thousands of rupees. A resident of the same building heard noises and alerted authorities. CCTV footage confirmed the burglary, and the police promptly launched a search operation. Two accused, reportedly from Madhya Pradesh, were arrested, while a third managed to escape. Investigations revealed that the same duo had carried out a theft in the same building a year ago.
Similar pattern in most thefts
Police have observed several similarities across these burglary cases. Most incidents occurred on weekends or holidays, specifically targeting locked houses. The thieves typically ransack wardrobes and break into lockers. Most crimes took place after midnight. Although some CCTV footage captured movement, the culprits wore masks, making identification difficult. Police suspect that the thieves often escape via highways or railway routes to other states. While those who burgled the revenue quarters were from Madhya Pradesh, an attempted theft at the Kadiyali temple was reportedly by miscreants from Kerala.
Previous theft cases remain unsolved
Masked burglars had attempted to break into flats in Udupi town last year. Incidents in Budnar (house theft), Moodusagri (jewellery theft), and the government housing complex opposite Udupi Town police station, where lacs worth of gold was stolen, remain unsolved.
No CCTV in many areas
Despite repeated reports in Udayavani highlighting the lack of CCTV coverage in many parts of the city, the district and local administrations have not installed the necessary systems. Following a gang war two years ago, there were demands to install CCTV cameras across the city. However, the proposal was opposed by members of the municipal council and eventually dropped. Although the police department has submitted multiple proposals, the local administration has failed to act, making it increasingly challenging for police to crack theft cases.
Over 250 thefts reported last year
In 2024 alone, over 250 theft cases were reported in Udupi district, but only a few have been solved. In previous years, the numbers were: 157 in 2023, 266 in 2022, 196 in 2021, 141 in 2020, 260 in 2019, and 255 in 2018.
Your home could be next – be cautious
During holidays, many families lock their homes and travel, often placing visible padlocks on front doors—a clear indication to burglars that the house is empty. Police advise residents not to store valuables at home during such trips and instead use bank lockers. Live surveillance cameras connected to mobile phones are also recommended.
Those travelling for extended periods are encouraged to inform their local police station in advance. Instructions have already been issued to all police stations to step up vigilance. The municipality has also been advised to install CCTVs, and implementation is expected.
In Kundapur, a private agency has already set up a live camera monitoring system. Under the 'Drishti' initiative in Udupi, night patrols are being conducted in all wards. This has already started in Subrahmanya Nagar ward. Additional night patrols have been directed.
So far, four accused have been arrested, and efforts are underway to trace the remaining suspects, said district superintendent of police Hariram Shankar.