Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 21: A serial umbrella thief has allegedly been targeting shops in Mumbai's Kandivali area, stealing branded umbrellas displayed outside stores during the monsoon. The suspect's actions have been captured on CCTV cameras, and police have launched a search based on the footage.

According to police, the unidentified man has been targeting shops in the Charkop area over the past several days. Shopkeepers alleged that he usually strikes when stores are crowded with customers, making it easier to steal umbrellas kept on display outside for buyers to inspect.

Traders said the suspect appears to take advantage of heavy rainfall, arriving during busy periods and quickly making away with two or three branded umbrellas before disappearing into the crowd.

Several shopkeepers have lodged complaints, prompting police to begin an investigation. Officials are examining CCTV footage from the affected shops to identify and trace the accused.

During the monsoon, many stores display a variety of umbrellas outside their premises to help customers choose from different designs and brands. However, shopkeepers said they had never anticipated that the display itself would become the target of repeated thefts.

The CCTV footage shows the suspect approaching a shop, picking up the umbrellas on display and leaving the area without being stopped by anyone.

As the stolen umbrellas are branded products, shopkeepers said they have suffered financial losses. Following a series of similar thefts from multiple shops in the area over the past few days, traders approached the police, who are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend the suspect using the CCTV footage.