Still-in-place ad flyers told burglars no one was home

Police explained the modus operandi on Wednesday,in the wake of six burglaries in one night at C-II Block of Vasant Kunj. The burglaries were allegedly carried out on Monday night,and reported early on Tuesday morning.

“The pamphlets,if they were still at the same place where the burglars had left them,would act as indicators and they would know that the resident was out of station. This is how they targeted houses and carried out their burglary plan,” a senior police officer said.

One of the victims of Monday night burglaries,Monika was away in Pune for a meeting. An airhostess with Indigo Airlines,Monika said she got a call from her neighbour around 3 am on Tuesday.

“I was so shocked. I rushed to Delhi as soon as I got the news. My house was ransacked,all my documents were strewn around,they had opened all my suitcases. They took away Rs 15,000 along with all my jewellery and other valuables,” she said.

Police said the values of stolen goods could run into lakhs.

Monika also found that her perfume bottles,collection of watches,diamond jewellery and foreign currency were missing from her house.

A resident of the colony had raised the alarm after she woke up and heard noises from the adjoining flat.

“Mrs Bhatia saw a group of men,they were making some noise. She shouted for help. She could not see them as their faces were covered. By the time we came out,they had fled,” said P N Mishra,RWA president.

He said there are only two security persons guarding the main gate of the colony,and no extra guards have been hired to take rounds inside the colony.

“Such burglaries can be avoided if people are alert. You should not have a lock hanging outside your door as it is a clear indication that you are not at home,” police said.

Since the incident,police have deployed extra personnel to patrol the area. Seven officials,including a sub-inspector and a head constable,have been deployed.

The residents of the other houses have still not returned to Delhi. A case in the regard has been registered.