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A spate of shoe thefts has been reported across Wakad, Balewadi, and Baner, where an unidentified individual is entering residential societies, filling bags with footwear, and fleeing before residents notice. The latest incident occurred at Vedanta Society in Wakad, prompting heightened community concern. Despite few media reports on this specific modus operandi, related thefts in these areas underscore the need for vigilance: recent burglaries in Balewadi saw valuables worth ₹8.5 lakh stolen , and a mobile-theft surge targeted seniors at Balewadi markets. Wakad police have previously arrested a house thief but continue to warn residents of similar intrusions. Residents are urged to secure entry points, report suspicious activity immediately to Pimpri-Chinchwad Police (Control Room: 112, 020 27352600) and share any CCTV footage with local stations (Wakad PI: Vivek Muglikar – 9609836579)
1. Incident Details
Latest Occurrence
- The thief most recently struck Vedanta Society in Wakad, entering the premises after hours and removing multiple pairs of footwear from a communal area.
- No arrests have been made; the suspect’s identity remains unknown.
Pattern and Frequency
- Similar break-ins have been reported in Baner, including a theft at Chitale Bandhu sweet shop, where CCTV footage captured a masked individual filling bags with goods before fleeing Log in or sign up to view.
- Balewadi residents experienced a wider burglary trend on Sinhagad Road and Baner, with thieves stealing cash and valuables totaling ₹8.5 lakh in two incidents Pune Mirror.
2. Modus Operandi
- Stealthy Entry: The perpetrator targets weak points—unlocked gates or propped-open doors—often late at night or early morning.
- Quick Haul: Shoes and small valuables are swiftly gathered into bags; heavier items like phones may be taken opportunistically.
- Minimal Disturbance: The focus on footwear suggests familiarity with society layouts and confident evasion of residents.
3. Impacted Areas
- Wakad: Vedanta Society, Venunagar and surrounding sectors report multiple shoe thefts; a recent arrest of a house thief underscores local vulnerability The Times of India.
- Balewadi: Weekly markets and societies face mobile-phone and burglary threats, with seniors particularly targeted PUNE PULSE – Trusted-Connected-Targeted.
- Baner: Street-shop break-ins and society intrusions, including the Chitale Bandhu incident, highlight a broader trend of petty crime Log in or sign up to view.
4. Vigilance and Prevention Tips
- Secure Entry Points: Always lock main gates and back doors; install automatic closers where possible.
- Use Outdoor Lighting: Motion-sensor lights deter intruders in entrance and parking areas.
- Install CCTV: Cover key zones—gates, corridors, and shoe racks—with visible cameras. Share footage promptly with police after incidents.
- Community Watch: Form a WhatsApp group for society members to share alerts and suspicious sightings in real time.
- Report Immediately: Call the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police control room at 112 or 020 27352600 for urgent response Pimpri Chinchwad, or directly contact the Wakad Police Chowki at +91 20 27261120 Mappls.
5. Police Contacts and Resources
- Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Control Room: 112, 020 27352600 Pimpri Chinchwad
- Wakad PI Office: Vivek Muglikar – 9609836579, Santosh Patil (Crime) – 9422008804 Scribd
- Balewadi Police Station: 020 27472218 (Bund Garden Road) Leave License
- Chatushrungi Police Station: 020 27286162 (covers Baner) Pimpri Chinchwad Online
- Online Reporting: Pimpri-Chinchwad Police e-Complaint Portal Pimpri Chinchwad
Conclusion
The emerging pattern of targeted shoe theft in Wakad, Balewadi, and Baner demands heightened community vigilance and robust preventive measures. By securing entry points, leveraging CCTV, and maintaining close coordination with local police, residents can collectively deter this thief and safeguard their homes. If you spot suspicious activity or recognize the individual in the shared photo, please inform your society security and file a report with the nearest police station immediately.
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