Residents of Chandigarh are on alert after a brazen scam involving thieves posing as key makers resulted in significant thefts from two separate homes in upscale sectors. The incidents, which occurred in Sector 37 and Sector 7, saw the perpetrators make off with gold and diamond jewellery alongside substantial amounts of cash, all under the guise of repairing almirah locks.
Modus Operandi: Trust Exploited Under Supervision
The first reported case took place in Sector 37 on December 21. Resident Shweta Arora stated that she called a key maker to her home for a lock repair job. She and her mother supervised the individual while he worked. However, after he left, they discovered a shocking theft.
The family found that the accused had stolen precious items, including a diamond kada, a diamond ring, a pair of diamond earrings, a gold and diamond mangalsutra, and a pair of gold charan padukas. Additionally, Rs 60,000 in cash was taken from the house. Shweta Arora immediately alerted the police, leading to the registration of a formal case.
A Repeat Crime Just Days Later in Sector 7
In an alarmingly similar incident just three days later on December 24, another family fell victim to the same trick. Jasmeet Singh Bhatia, a resident of Sector 7, reported that his mother had called two individuals claiming to be key makers to their residence.
Following their visit, the family realized they had been robbed. The thieves allegedly stole precious jewellery and around Rs 1,50,000 in cash, causing a total loss running into several lakhs of rupees. This pattern confirms a targeted scam operating in the city.
Police Investigation Underway, Public Caution Advised
Local police have registered cases based on the complaints from both affected families. The investigations are currently active, with teams likely examining CCTV footage and gathering details about the so-called service providers. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with either of these cases.
These incidents serve as a stark warning to residents, especially the elderly, to exercise extreme caution when allowing service personnel into their homes. Authorities advise verifying the credentials of workers through reliable sources and not leaving valuables unattended, even when supervising the work.
The Chandigarh police have urged anyone with similar experiences or information about the suspects to come forward immediately to help apprehend the culprits and prevent further crimes.
