Poovar: Burglars struck two houses in Pulluvila, stealing 19.5 sovereigns of gold (approx. 156 grams) and Rs 6.6 lakh in cash from two neighbouring houses while the families attended Easter gathering.

Mini, her husband Pathros, and their three children had gone to church at 11 pm. When Mini returned at 2 am, she found that the back door of her house had been forced open. Inside, the bedroom cupboard had been broken into, and gold jewellery along with cash had been stolen.

Police said 3 pairs of anklet, 4 necklaces, 3 bracelets, 6 rings, 1 bangle and 2 pairs of earrings were stolen from Mini’s house.

The total came to 17.5 sovereigns of gold, and Rs 6,65,000 stored in a steel cupboard was also taken.

Her neighbour, Brigit, faced a similar fate. She and her family attended church at 11:30 pm and returned at 1 am. While most of her jewellery was safe as she wore it, 2  rings weighing 2 sovereigns and Rs 500 in cash were stolen from a cupboard.

In both homes, the thieves broke in through the kitchen doors. Investigators noted that many residents in the area had attended the church service, giving the burglars an opportunity to strike unnoticed.

The Kanjiramkulam police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.