Delivery Agents Turned Burglars Arrested in Pathanamthitta
In a bizarre twist to a planned robbery, the Thenmala police in Kollam district arrested three men on Monday for allegedly stealing a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera from a residential property in Idamon, Pathanamthitta. The arrest came after a failed attempt to steal a motorcycle, which led the accused to target the surveillance system itself to evade capture.
The Failed Robbery and Unusual Target
The incident unfolded on Saturday night at the home of Leo Thomas (34). According to police investigations, the accused—identified as brothers Sachumon (28) and Sandeep (30) from Nettayam near Eroor, and Rahul (26) of Aayiranalloor—had initially schemed to steal a motorcycle parked in the house's courtyard.
However, their plan took an unexpected turn when they noticed the property was under CCTV surveillance. Fearing identification, the trio allegedly decided to first remove the security camera. Their attempt to dismantle and flee with the CCTV unit, however, created noise that woke up the occupants of the house.
Chase, Capture, and Chilling Modus Operandi
Alerted by the commotion, the residents raised an alarm, causing the would-be thieves to abandon their plan and try to escape. The locals, informed immediately, gave chase and managed to apprehend the suspects at the Idamom Junction. The police were promptly notified and took the trio into custody.
Further probe by the police revealed a disturbing pattern. The accused were part of an online delivery team. Investigators stated that during their daytime delivery rounds, they would allegedly survey residential areas to mark potential targets for thefts they would carry out at night. Houses occupied solely by women were reportedly their primary focus.
Judicial Custody and Expanded Probe
The police have formally recorded the arrest. The three accused were produced before the court, which remanded them to judicial custody for 14 days. Authorities are now delving deeper to determine if this group is connected to other unsolved theft cases in the Pathanamthitta and Kollam regions. The case highlights a concerning new modus operandi where criminals misuse their legitimate access to neighborhoods for illicit activities.
