Bold Thieves Attempt Battery Heist at Delhi Police Station, Caught Red-Handed
In an audacious and remarkably ill-advised criminal endeavor, two thieves decided to target a location most would consider the last place to attempt a theft: a police station itself. The incident unfolded at the Pandav Nagar Police Station in east Delhi, where the duo was apprehended while allegedly trying to steal batteries from security equipment.
The Brazen Daytime Operation
On February 11, at approximately 4:30 PM, two individuals arrived at the police station posing as repairmen. They proceeded to the rear area of the station where door frame metal detector (DFMD) equipment was stored. Without raising immediate suspicion, they began tinkering with the devices, laying them out on the ground and starting to dismantle them.
The operation, however, did not go unnoticed. A vigilant woman constable who was on sentry duty at the station observed their unusual activities. Sensing something amiss, she promptly alerted a head constable. Together, they approached the back area to investigate.
The Discovery and Apprehension
Upon reaching the scene, the police personnel discovered the DFMD units opened up and in various stages of disassembly. Critical components were missing—specifically, the batteries from the security devices. The two men, identified as Sumit (24) and Rajkumar (26), were confronted by the officers.
In a display of remarkable composure, the suspects remained unfazed when questioned. They claimed they had been summoned to the police station specifically to repair the door frame metal detector units. This explanation, however, did not align with the circumstances or the evidence before the police officers.
Questionable Judgment and Legal Consequences
The attempted theft highlights an extraordinary lapse in criminal judgment. Targeting a police station for theft, especially during daylight hours, demonstrates either extreme boldness or profound foolishness. Police stations are typically equipped with surveillance, numerous personnel, and heightened security awareness, making them particularly challenging targets for criminal activities.
Door frame metal detectors are crucial security devices used to screen individuals entering sensitive locations, including police stations. Tampering with or stealing components from such equipment compromises security protocols and could have serious implications for public safety.
The two individuals now face legal consequences for their actions. Their attempt to steal batteries—a relatively low-value item—from one of the most secure locations in the city has resulted in their detention and likely criminal charges. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most brazen criminal plans can unravel quickly when executed in the wrong place.
This case also underscores the importance of vigilance among police personnel, even within their own stations. The quick response by the woman constable and head constable prevented the theft from being completed and led to the immediate apprehension of the suspects.