Pics: Spoorthi Ullal / Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)

Mangalore, Sep 18: Serial thieves targeted six shops in the vicinity of Kallapu near Thokkottu under Ullal police station limits here on the intervening night between Wednesday September 17 and Thursday September 18.

Unfortunately for the thieves, they could lay their hands only on small amounts of cash.

The thieves broke into 'Bed Zone' belonging to Anwar Abbas in Ruksana Complex, 'Spark Electricals' of Abdul Khader, 'United Timber Plywood' of Shajuddin, 'Part Center' owned by Iqbal, and a ration store and petty shop.

It is learnt that the thieves could only manage to steal Rs 1,000 from Shajuddin's plywood store, Rs 800 from the petty shop and some loose change from the ration store. Owners have reportedly stopped stocking money in their shops in the wake of similar thefts reported in recent times.

The thefts came to light when owner of the complex Hasanabba came for work early morning.

Fingerprint experts arrived at the spot and a canine squad was pressed into action.

Incidentally, the thieves targeted shops that are located just half a kilometre from the spot where the police have deployed nakabandi. The nakabandi was ordered following untoward incidents reported in Ullal some days ago. The shop owners expressed disappointment over the fact that the police who were on duty failed to notice the thieves and catch them.

A case has been registered in the Ullal police station and further investigation is on.