So far, a daring theft has been reported from ``Belagavi '' where a man who purported to be a beggar walked into a mobile phone store and got away with a phone worth around ₹1.5 lakh. The whole affair was captured on the shop's CCTV cameras, which helped police establish the sequence of events.
The incident took place at a mobile store located near the Airtel outlet in the Goaves area of Belagavi city under the jurisdiction of the Tilakwadi Police Station.
According to initial reports, he initially appeared to be a beggar needing alms, entering the store. His appearance did not generate suspicion among the staff, and he was able to move about in the showroom.
Inside the shop, the accused allegedly picked up an expensive smartphone worth around ₹1.5 lakh from the display counter. He turned to the billing counter, looking like he wanted to buy the device, he said.
However, instead of paying for the phone, it was reported that he put the smartphone into his pocket and walked out of the showroom before anyone had a chance to see what had happened.
The theft came to light only after showroom staff saw that one of the premium smartphones was missing from the display. They immediately went to the CCTV footage that was installed across the store.
The surveillance recorded the suspect concealing the smartphone in his pocket and leaving the premises. It was clear evidence that the man had committed the crime, and there was evidence to support the investigators.
After the theft, the showroom employees decided to approach the police and file a formal complaint. Based on the complaint and the CCTV footage, Tilakwadi Police have initiated an investigation to identify and trace the accused.
Police will also look at other surveillance cameras in the vicinity to see the suspect’s identity and movements after leaving the shop. Investigators will also see if the suspect has taken part in similar thefts in the past or participated in a larger network of mobile stores that target them.
The incident has raised concerns among local business owners, especially retailers dealing in high-value electronic items. Shopkeepers have been advised to remain vigilant and strengthen security measures, such as monitoring display counters closely and keeping customers inside the store from entering.
Members of the public are called upon to share any information that may help identify the suspect. Businesses are also advised to report suspicious behaviour to the police to prevent similar incidents, the police said.
The investigation is now on, and other legal action will be taken once the accused has been identified and apprehended.
