Thief found sleeping in hotel after failed bid

PANAJI: Police on Tuesday apprehended a thief who had struck five shops in Mapusa town on Monday night. He was ironically found sleeping in a hotel after a failed theft attempt.

DySP Jivba Dalvi said that Chandan Das, 21, a Bihar native, committed theft at five stores, including a beauty parlour, at Mapusa. Dalvi said that subsequently, Das gained entry into Shantadurga hotel by breaking the roof ventilation. Once inside, the accused attempted to unlock the cash counter. However, after numerous futile attempts, the accused in frustration set the cash counter on fire and fell asleep.

When the staff returned on Tuesday at around 5am to prepare breakfast, they opened the shutter to find the interior of the hotel engulfed in smoke. Suspecting that the fire was caused due to a short circuit, the hotel staff cautiously entered the premises, but to their surprise, they found Das sleeping on the floor.

“The staff called the police and handed over the accused to them,” Dalvi said.

Electronic goods and cash allegedly stolen from the five shops were recovered from the accused.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Mapusa Merchants’ Association led by secretary Siddesh Raut and president Shripad Sawant met Dalvi, requesting him to direct Mapusa police to intensify night patrolling, and take additional measures to prevent robberies in the market.

The association also pointed out that there has been a rise in pickpocketing and chain-snatching incidents during the Friday weekly market.

Dalvi assured the delegation to address their grievances and that the necessary action will be taken.