A burglary in Pune’s Dhayari area has raised fresh concerns over home security after thieves used a key left outside a flat to enter and steal valuables worth ₹1.5 lakh.
Convenience turns costly
The incident occurred on March 16 at a residential building on Sinhagad Road. The woman had reportedly left her house key in a shoe rack outside her flat so family members could access it easily.
However, unidentified thieves, who were allegedly watching the area, picked up the key after confirming the house was empty and entered the flat without force.
House ransacked, valuables stolen
The accused reportedly searched cupboards and fled with gold jewellery and cash. When the woman returned home in the evening, she found the door open and her house ransacked.
She immediately alerted the police, following which a case was registered at Nanded City Police Station. Authorities are currently scanning CCTV footage to identify the culprits.
Similar incident reported in Bengaluru
The case comes weeks after a similar burglary in Bengaluru’s Whitefield, where a hidden key in a shoe rack was used by a suspect posing as a house-hunter to steal gold worth nearly ₹55 lakh.
The accused in that case was later arrested using CCTV evidence, highlighting how such patterns are exploited by criminals.
Warning against common habits
Police and safety experts warn that leaving keys in predictable places like shoe racks or flower pots can make homes vulnerable. What may seem like a convenient arrangement for residents can become an easy opportunity for theft.
Simple precautions can prevent loss
Authorities advise residents to avoid leaving keys outside and instead share access only with trusted individuals. Installing surveillance systems and being mindful of surroundings can further reduce risks.
The back-to-back incidents serve as a reminder that even small lapses in security can lead to significant financial and emotional loss.