Mira-Bhayandar: The central crime branch (CCU) unit attached to the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police have arrested a 25-year-old thief who used a unique modus-operandi for stealing high end Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) and compact sedans.
According to the police the accused who has been identified as-Abhishek Arvind Singh (25) would obtain a job at the business establishment or residence of his target. During his work stint, he would first steal the reserve keys and wait for the right opportunity to drive away with the SUV/Sedan directly to his native village Bhayandar.
Singh had used a similar modus operandi to steal a Mahindra Thar SUV worth Rs15 lakh from Bhayandar on 5, March. The CCU unit led by police inspector- Aviraj Kurhade scanned the footage captured by closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed in the parking lot and possible getaway routes.
Armed with sketchy images of the accused, police personnel activated their core informer network, supported by a robust electronic surveillance system and learnt about Singh’s suspected presence in Buxar district of Bihar.
DCP (crime)- Avinash Ambure immediately established contact with his counterpart in Buxar who assisted personnel from the CCU in nabbing Singh from Majharia village. Five SUVs/Sedans including-a Thar jeep, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Yaris, Honda City and Honda Amaze- collectively worth Rs 59 lakh was recovered from Singh’s house in Majharia village.
While the Thar was stolen from Bhayandar, all other vehicles had been lifted from the jurisdiction of the Kherwadi police station in Mumbai. Notably, Singh did not sell any of the cars which were being used by his family members who were apparently unaware about the fact that they were stolen.
Singh who flaunted the fleet of expensive cars in his village had created an impression that he was earning well in Mumbai, said a police officer. An offence under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita has been registered at the Bhayandar police against Singh who has been remanded to custody. Further investigations were on.
