Mukkam: Even the police are not spared in thefts that is happening in hilly regions. Cash and equipment were stolen in a broad daylight burglary at the rented house of a Sub-Inspector in Mukkam. In connection with the incident, Miyas Babu (19), a native of Puthenpeedika in Areekode, has been taken into custody by the Mukkam police. The incident occurred around 3 pm on Friday.

The theft took place at the rented house of SI Sreerag, near the beverages outlet at Muthery Kappumala bend. The house belongs to a trader in Mukkam. The SI was staying in one of the several rooms in the house, while employees of a business owned by the house owner were staying in the adjacent room.

The incident came to light when Saneesh, an employee, opened the front door around 3 pm and saw an unfamiliar person inside. On seeing two others fleeing, Saneesh grew suspicious, overpowered Miyas Babu, and informed the Mukkam police. Police arrived and took him into custody.

The three-member gang had broken open the rear door to gain entry. No one else was present in the house at the time. The accused broke open three internal doors and entered the rooms. They stole ₹8,500, a power bank, and a trimmer from the SI’s room before fleeing. Although they had moved electronic items including a laptop outside the house, they could not take it away.

It is suspected that the accused carried out the theft under the influence of alcohol after visiting the nearby beverages outlet. Police said they have clear leads on the accomplices who escaped and will apprehend them soon.

The burglary at a police officer’s residence comes at a time when police have been struggling to crack recent thefts in the hilly region.