Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar
Theft incidents continue to trouble traders in Jalandhar’s Mai Hiran Gate Market. In the latest incident, a thief allegedly broke into Kiran Book Shop and stole ₹5,000 in cash from the shop’s safe.
The incident is reportedly the third theft in the market, while previous cases remain untraced. The latest theft was captured on the shop’s CCTV cameras, with footage showing the accused bowing before the safe before opening it with a screwdriver and taking the cash.
Thief Jumps Over Counter to Reach Safe
According to the CCTV footage, the accused entered the shop by jumping over the counter and headed straight towards the safe. He first bowed before it and then used a screwdriver to open it. After opening the safe, he took out ₹5,000 and fled from the spot. Interestingly, he did not touch the coins kept inside.
Shop owner Sahil Anand said he received a phone call informing him that the shop’s shutter was open. He subsequently reached the shop with an employee and checked the safe, only to discover that ₹5,000 was missing. A review of the CCTV footage revealed the theft.
Previous Theft Cases Yet to Be Solved
According to available information, thefts had earlier been reported at a flour mill and four other shops in the market. Kiran Book Shop has now become the latest target, raising concerns among local traders over the repeated incidents.
Shopkeepers said that if such incidents continue, they may have to make their own security arrangements. They suggested that the market association consider deploying security guards collectively or encourage individual shopkeepers to strengthen security outside their establishments.
Police Begin Investigation
Following the incident, police reached the spot, recorded the complaint and initiated an investigation. The CCTV footage is expected to assist the police in identifying the accused and investigating the case.
