Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Jan 24: It has been conclusively learned that some of the thefts taken place in Bajpe area in the recent past were not independent thefts, but are part of a series of thefts. All these thefts have a pattern. Four thefts taken place in the area in the past thirty days were reported during the Roce functions in the neighbourhood.
Roce is a traditional ritual ceremony held a day before the wedding day, when bride or the groom take hot water bath after the anointment of oil and application of pure coconut juice. Roce is an integral part of the wedding ceremony in Catholic community . Roce in villages is normally held during the night though in cities it is held even during afternoon.
The thieves who have to employ new tactics to remain in business have targeted some houses in and around Sunkadakatte in Bajpe during the time of Roce functions in the neighbourhoods. They are well aware that all the people lock the houses and attend the Roce function of a neighbour.
As per the reports, four houses in the vicinity have been targeted so far. A house in Ambikanagar, a house on Bajpe Kateel road, a house on Polytechnic road and a house near the Katte, are the houses targeted. The thieves have taken valuables from all these houses during the theft.
The pattern is the same in all the cases. A Man aged around 40 comes on a bike with a boy aged around 8. The man tells the people that the boy is a destitute and needs help for education. Nobody suspects him as he comes with a boy. In fact it is his ‘Fact finding trip’ to the house. He knows that a Roce is taking place in the neighbourhood. He just wants to plan his theft.
All the thefts have taken place between 9 and 10 pm. In all the cases doors are broken to gain entry. In one case, the thieves could not complete the operation as the occupants of the house came during the theft. Yet the thieves managed to take as many things as possible.
Police have said that they are investigating the matter and found some leads . Sources said within a day or two arrests are expected.