Karkala: Thieves break into jewellery shop, threaten watchman with pistol

Karkala: Thieves who came riding on a tipper lorry looted a jewelry shop at Nitte in the early hours of February 27.

The thieves, wearing masks, broke into Aradhya Jewelry in Nitte village after parking the lorry in front of the shop.  They also threatened the watchman with a pistol.

Though the area was well-lit, the brazen robbery has shocked the locals. They said the number of thefts has risen in the recent past and suspect an organized network to be active in the area.

Karkala Rural police visited the crime scene and have taken up the investigation.

Fortunately, the thieves could manage to take away only the display pieces which were brought to the shop for repair. The value of the stolen goods is estimated to be Rs 20,000. In their hurry, thieve left behind the gold and silver ornaments secured in the locker.

Tipper was a decoy?

Police suspect that the tipper lorry was a decoy used for blocking the view during the theft and for changing clothes. It is suspected that the robbers may have used a car to get away. Four persons may be involved in the crime, police sources said.

Meanwhile, police are checking the CCTV footage.

The tipper lorry believed to be used in the crime was found parked a little away from the crime scene. It has been impounded.