Woman held for house break-ins,cops recover valuables worth Rs 14 lakh

Police found that the CCTV camera installed on the stairs of the building captured the image of a woman who had come to the building just before the theft. During investigation,police recorded statements of some residents who had seen the woman coming to the building. Police then released a sketch of the woman and launched a search for her.

The sketch matched with Harsha,who was earlier arrested for theft in 2009. Police then started monitoring the activities of the suspect. Police arrested her on Sunday when her involvement in the theft was confirmed.

Durign interrogation,Harsha admitted of committing at least five house thefts in Shanivar Peth,Narayan Peth and Sadashiv Peth area in the last one year,police said.

Police said Harsha used to conducted a recce of the houses during day time. “She had different ways to approach people. She used to visit people and either ask for water or inquire about some address,while at times she pretended to be a neighbour. When she found that people in the houses were not so alert,she would cover her face and commit thefts,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajeshkumar More.

Police said Harshal got divorce from her first husband,while her second husband died in an accident and she has the responsibility of her five-year-old daughter.

The investigation team comprises senior inspector Motichand Rathod,inspector Subhash Nikam,sub-inspector Suresh Jagtap,havaldars Ajinath Wakse,Rajendra Kondhare,naik Dnyaneshwar Devkar,Rajendra Sonar and constable Bansi Kamble.

Harsha was produced before the court on Monday. She has been remanded in police custody till February 5.