Incidents of theft at regular intervals in Ernakulam have raised security concerns

Cases of theft reported at frequent intervals from different parts of Ernakulam district in the last few months have raised security concerns. At least 10 cases of theft, varying in style and scale, reported from across the county, have drawn public attention in the past few months.

The latest incident added to public safety concerns when a man lost the thumb of his right hand while trying to thwart a robbery attempt at Pathalam in Eloor on Thursday night (September 3, 2026). Saleem KA (62) was seriously injured by an unknown man who allegedly tried to snatch his daughter-in-law’s gold chain. The police have not found the accused yet.

Earlier this month, three men from Assam were arrested by the railway police in connection with the alleged robberies reported from Aluva and Angamaly railway stations on August 28 and 30. Police recovered ₹40,000 in cash, four mobile phones and six gold sovereigns from their possession.

In July, the Hill Palace police nabbed Jijo Babu, a 39-year-old native of Malayattoor, for allegedly stealing a woman’s mobile phone. Police said he was a serial offender accused of multiple thefts and his modus operandi included targeting women boarding crowded buses. In June, the Kuruppampad police arrested another serial offender, a native of Kollam Babu. A. after allegedly stealing ₹15,000 worth of mobile phone and tablet from a shop in Pulluvazhi.

While the cases reported from the city and suburbs were of theft of cash, gold and other valuables, at least three buffaloes were reported stolen from the Paravur region in August.

Police, meanwhile, said that cases of theft were reported only occasionally and were mostly minor incidents. “Theft of electrical items including copper wires and wiring from construction sites are among the recently reported cases. Police are conducting intensive patrolling in vulnerable areas and monitoring the usual suspects. There has also been an increase in shadow police presence in vulnerable areas recently,” said a senior city police officer.

Published – 06 Sep 2026 14:06 IST