The Alankar police in Pune have arrested Raju Baburao Jawalkar (57), a resident of Donje village near Sinhagad Fort, for stealing valuables from parked cars and SUVs on public roads in the Erandwane area. According to the police, Jawalkar has a long criminal history and had previously been arrested in over 100 theft cases across the city.
Details of the Arrest
The Alankar police registered six theft cases in the last week, where an unidentified person allegedly broke windows of parked four-wheelers and stole valuables. Senior Inspector Ulhas Kadam of Alankar police stated, “We have recovered valuables such as gold ornaments, laptops, cellphones and cash, collectively worth Rs 12.18 lakh, from his possession.”
Modus Operandi
Inspector Kadam explained Jawalkar’s method: “His modus operandi was simple. He used to roam around carrying a screwdriver. After spotting a parked vehicle, he would peep inside to see if any bag, valuables or cash were inside. Owners generally park their vehicles on public roads and go about their day. Jawalkar used to target such vehicles. He would then break the window using the screwdriver and steal the valuables.”
Investigation and Past Record
“We arrested him after analysing CCTV footage from the area,” Kadam added. “Earlier, over the past 15 years, he had been arrested in vehicle and other theft cases registered by the Pune city, Satara, Pune rural, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Pimpri Chinchwad police.” The police continue to investigate if Jawalkar is involved in other unsolved thefts in the region.
