In a fresh Mumbai crime, the GRP has caught a gold-stealing trio, including two jewellers from Zaveri Bazaar. The authorities received a couple of complaints about purses and gold ornaments being stolen by women travelling in outstation trains, giving rise to a railway theft case. The prime accused and his jeweller accomplices are now in police custody.
According to this Mid-Day report, the modus operandi was simple. The suspected railway thief would slowly go through express trains at night, discreetly stealing valuables before calmly disembarking at Kalyan railway station. The other two accused, gold jewellery dealers from Zaveri Bazar in south Mumbai, would purchase the stolen gold jewellery from Mahesh.
According to officials, the modus operandi was successful because the suspected railway thief was a heavily built man with a noticeable limp, who appeared nearly disabled. Even after stealing an entire bag from a victim, he moved at a slow pace, making it unlikely for anyone to suspect him.
That was his perfect disguise. It was also in stark contrast to other thieves, who plan to make a quick getaway, rather than seeming to meander around at the crime scene. The modus operandi of the criminal duo is actually the plot of several Hollywood heist movies.
In such movies, typically, the thief has the heist in mind. They also have someone who will buy or sell the stolen jewellery. Such an individual is the ‘fence’ in the thievery business. However, with the criminal behind bars now, travellers can heave a sigh of relief – until he next criminal decides to try their luck.
Travelling from anywhere to anywhere is always a challenge, and people should ensure that they prioritise their safety and security, as well as the safety and security of those travelling with them. One would always suggest that men and women travel light and not do an overly blatant display of gold and jewellery.
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That said, a typical thief would have a great payday today even if he stole a traveller’s mobile phone, as an average mobile phone costs about INR 10K to INR 15K.
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