Chennai: A youth wearing a helmet posed as an electricity board employee and carried out a series of thefts at houses in a residential locality near Ponneri in Tiruvallur district. The incidents were reported from Adithya Garden, a residential area in Krishnapuram near Ponneri, where more than 100 houses are located.
Modus Operandi of the Suspect
According to residents, the suspect arrived on a two-wheeler wearing a helmet and did not remove it while approaching houses, apparently to conceal his identity. Posing as an electricity board worker, he reportedly gained entry into houses under the pretext of conducting inspections. He would then claim that he needed to check air conditioners inside the house. Taking advantage of a momentary distraction, he stole mobile phones and cash kept on tables before leaving the premises.
Targeted Houses and Police Response
Police said the suspect targeted at least four houses in a similar manner. In some instances, alert house owners raised suspicion, and the man fled the spot quickly on his vehicle. Residents of the locality have lodged a complaint at the Ponneri police station. Based on the complaint, police have begun an investigation and are examining CCTV footage to trace the suspect.
Preliminary inquiry revealed that he used a two-wheeler without a registration number and kept his helmet on at all times to avoid identification. Police said efforts are on to nab the accused, and further investigation is on. Police suspect the involvement of previous offenders in the crime.
