Rs 23 lakh stolen from a shop in Kollam

Kollam: Rs 23 lakh was stolen in a major burglary reported at a business establishment on District Hospital Road in Kollam early on Sunday.Police said the theft occurred at Staines Trading Company between 12.45am and 2am. The burglars gained entry by breaking open the rear shutter using a wire. They then forced open a locker and decamped with Rs 20 lakh kept inside, along with Rs 3 lakh from the billing cash drawer. The incident came to light when the security guard noticed signs of a break-in while inspecting the rear side of the building in the morning. The gang also damaged the shop's CCTV system in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence. However, visuals retrieved from partially damaged cameras showed the suspects wearing PPE kits, making identification difficult. Police suspect that the crime was carried out either by persons familiar with the establishment or by those who had closely observed it over a period of time. According to the complaint, the firm deals in mountaineering equipment and related items. Usually, daily earnings are deposited in the bank. However, as banks remained closed after Saturday afternoon, a large sum of cash was kept on the premises. Investigators believe the accused may have been aware of this and planned the burglary accordingly. Police also noted that similar theft attempts have been reported in the area in the past, raising concerns over a possible pattern. In addition to the stolen cash, property damage worth around Rs 25,000 was reported, including destruction of the shutter, locker and CCTV system. A case was registered at Kollam East police station, and an investigation is under way under the leadership of SI R Jagmohan Duttan. Police said a detailed probe is in progress, including examination of local surveillance footage and questioning of individuals who had access to or knowledge of the establishment in recent days.