Two arrested for series car thefts

VADODARA: The detection of crime branch (DCB) on Thursday arrested two persons from Makarpura Road for conducting series of thefts in three districts. Sharukh Pathan (36) and Mohsin Sheikh (26) used to survey cars parked in party plots to identify vehicles with valuable and bags placed inside. They used to break the window and decamp with the valuable in their car.
The duo have 10 offences of thefts registered against them in Vadodara, Bharuch and Anand.
"They were on the run for last six months and were declared wanted by three district police. We got a phone number which was used by Pathan. Using it we got his location at the spots of thefts in the city and other places. Both the accused are from Vadodara city but were staying in Bharuch since last two years," said DCB police inspector Rahul Patel.
The police recovered a bag made in United States, digital camera and a mobile phone amounting to Rs 8,500 from the accused. Seven offences of thefts were registered against them in Vadodara, two in Bharuch and one in Anand.
"They used to conduct survey in their car mainly at party plots. Their modus operandi involved locating cars with bags and valuables kept inside. The duo then use a screwdriver to break open the window glass," added Patel.
Offences of thefts and bootlegging were registered against Pathan in JP Road, Raopura, Gorwa and Sayajigunj police stations. The police said that Pathan was also detained by Amreli police under Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act. Shiekh was also arrested in connection with rioting and bootlegging offence by the Panigate police in the past.
According to the police, about 20 days ago the duo attempted to steal from a car parked outside a party plot in Bharuch. A watchman on duty saw Pathan and Sheikh when they were about to keep the stolen bag in their car. The duo fled from the spot leaving their car behind. The police are yet to trace the car.