In a significant breakthrough, the Vanrai Police in Mumbai have successfully apprehended a gang of burglars who were using stolen autorickshaws as their primary getaway vehicles for a series of thefts and break-ins across the city. The arrests have led to the solving of at least five criminal cases.
The Modus Operandi: Autos as the Perfect Cover
The gang's unique and audacious method involved cruising the streets of Mumbai in stolen three-wheelers under the cover of darkness. This provided them with an inconspicuous mode of transport to target both commercial establishments and residential properties. Their spree came to light after a specific incident in Goregaon East.
In the intervening night of November 18 and November 19, the thieves executed a bold heist, making off with iron rods measuring two metres in length and weighing a substantial 130 kilograms from a shop. Following a complaint, the Vanrai Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) and launched a detailed investigation.
How the Police Cracked the Case
The investigating team meticulously scanned hours of CCTV footage from the affected areas and conducted extensive local inquiries. A clear pattern emerged from their probe: a group of individuals was consistently using autorickshaws to move around and commit crimes late at night. This critical insight allowed the police to narrow down their search and lay a strategic trap.
The plan culminated in Bandra East, where the police team caught the accused red-handed. The three individuals arrested have been identified as Sachin Gavas (43), Yogesh Rathod (19), and Taufiq Khan (43).
Criminal Past and Cases Solved
Further interrogation and record checks revealed that the accused were not new to such illicit activities. They had a history of similar offences, having been previously booked in cases related to the theft of autorickshaws at police stations in Andheri, Goregaon, and Borivli.
With these arrests, the Vanrai Police have managed to solve five connected offences, delivering a major blow to this particular chain of nighttime burglaries. The crackdown highlights the effectiveness of combining technological tools like CCTV analysis with traditional ground-level police work to combat urban crime.
The successful operation underscores the Mumbai Police's ongoing efforts to enhance night-time security and curb property crimes in the metropolis, bringing a measure of relief to affected business owners and residents.
