Professional gang behind Rs 23 lakh theft from trading company in Kollam

KOLLAM: Police doubt the role of a professional gang behind the theft of Rs 23 lakh from Stanes Trading Company, a dry fruits wholesaler in Chamakada near Kollam District Hospital. Two men, wearing coats, masks and gloves similar to the PPE kits worn by healthcare workers, robbed the owner's cabin locker and the table at the bill counter. The incident took place between 12.45 am and 2 am on Sunday. Though there was a security guard at the front of the shop, the thieves sneaked inside by breaking the rear shutter with an iron rod. Since Saturday was a bank holiday, the collection amount for that day was kept in the shop. Those behind the theft were aware of the details and so planned the heist deftly.

When the security guard reached the rear of the shop in the morning, he found the shutters broken open. The thieves had disabled some of the surveillance cameras inside the shop. Footage was obtained from a camera near the counter. Police said that it was clear from the body language that the robbers were under the age of 45. It was just two weeks ago that another robbery happened at a business establishment in Kollam city. A few months ago, there was also an attempted robbery at Kollam Fatima Mata College and Bishop Jerome Engineering College.

Fingerprint experts and a dog squad reached the spot and conducted an inspection. The police are examining the footage from surveillance cameras at nearby establishments.