A series of home break-ins has rattled Udupi district, with 10 incidents of theft or attempted robbery recorded in July 2025 alone. So far, only four individuals have been apprehended, while several others are still unidentified and absconding.
From July 1 to 26, eight break-ins occurred under Udupi Town Police limits, with one case each registered in Hiriadka and Byndoor.
Key Incidents:
- July 5, three residences in Kodankur were looted, with gold ornaments and cash stolen. The culprits reportedly fled on foot via the highway. The absence of surveillance cameras hindered progress.
- July 13, intruders burgled a house in Bellarpady, taking gold worth ₹63,000. A bike with a fake license plate was found abandoned at the scene.
- On July 20, burglars targeted the police quarters and revenue department near Koogalte, stealing valuables. Two suspects from Madhya Pradesh were caught using CCTV footage, while a third escaped.
Crime Patterns:
Most burglaries occur during weekends or holidays, focusing on vacant homes after midnight. Thieves often ransack wardrobes and break lockers, escaping via roads or train routes. Use of masks makes identification difficult.
Persistent Problems:
Past cases—like break-ins in Budnar, Moodusagri, and opposite Udupi police station—remain unsolved. Despite police submitting proposals, lack of CCTV coverage continues due to municipal inaction.
Public Advisory:
Residents are urged to avoid storing valuables, install smart surveillance, and notify police during extended travel. More night patrols and live monitoring are being implemented under the ‘Drishti’ project.