A festive New Year's getaway turned into a costly nightmare for a prominent Bengaluru businessman after a daring burglary at his residence resulted in the theft of high-value jewellery and luxury watches collectively worth a staggering Rs 1.37 crore.
The Costly New Year Celebration
According to senior police officials, the complainant, who is a well-established figure in the hotel business, had locked up his house and left Bengaluru with his family in the early hours of December 30. The family was headed to Coimbatore to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, 2026.
Upon their return, they were met with a scene of violation. Unidentified thieves had managed to breach the security of the locked house in their absence. The burglars specifically targeted valuables, making off with a significant collection of precious jewellery and expensive wristwatches.
Investigation into the High-Value Burglary
The police have registered a case and launched a comprehensive investigation into the major theft. The sheer value of the stolen items, amounting to over one crore thirty-seven lakh rupees, marks this as a serious high-profile crime. Forensic teams are likely to have examined the scene for evidence, while local inquiries are being conducted to trace any suspicious activity in the neighbourhood during the period the house was unattended.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the city's affluent circles, raising concerns about the security of residential properties when families are away on holiday. It highlights a recurring pattern where festive seasons, when homes are often empty, become a prime time for organised criminal gangs to strike.
Security Lessons in the Aftermath
While the police probe continues, the theft underscores critical security lapses. Experts often advise additional measures during extended absences, such as installing robust alarm systems, informing trusted neighbours, and using timer switches for lights to create an illusion of occupancy. The Bengaluru police have previously urged citizens to avoid announcing vacation plans on social media, which can tip off potential criminals.
The case remains active, with authorities scanning CCTV footage from the area and exploring all possible leads to apprehend the culprits and recover the stolen luxury items worth crores.
