Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore (SM/GA)

Mangalore, May 23: Since a fortnight, residents of Jeppu, Padil, Kandettu, Bikarnakatta and surrounding areas have been going through sleepless nights.  Even a tiny sound wakes them up suddenly.  People in these areas are facing troubles from thieves who are lifting their brass vessels.

A gang of thieves are targeting houses which have huge brass vessels placed in the backyard for boiling water (cauldron). The group identifies these houses and then decamps with vessels in the night.

This was first reported from a house at Bikarnakatta a couple of weeks ago.  However, thereafter it has become a common phenomenon.  Some unconfirmed sources said that so far 20 such vessels have been stolen from Jeppu, above 15 at Bikarnakatta and nearly 10 vessels in and around 10 in and around Padil

It is said that the gang is adept in stealing these big vessels without making slightest of noise whatsoever.  At times they break open into a house, break the concrete surrounding of the vessel without making any noise.  It is owing to this modus operandi that most of the people have been caught off guard even after being aware of the similar cases in the neighbourhood.

Ono the other hand, the gang is proving to a pain in the neck for the night patrolling police.  Despite increased vigil, they have drawn a blank.