Chikkamagaluru: Chikkamagaluru district police have cracked several house burglary cases and recovered valuables with the arrest of a Bengaluru-based man.Mohammad Haneef, 43, of Kempanayakanahalli in Benerughatta, Bengaluru, has been arrested on charges of burglary, police said.Haneef was born in Kattehaklu in Thirthahalli taluk in neighbouring Shivamogga district. As Koppa and Hariharapura border Kattehaklu, he was well aware of the region’s topography, police said.The accused allegedly targeted four houses in Koppa and Hariharapura police limits. According to police, he was arrested by Karkala police in Udupi district a few years ago in one of the cases.SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama formed a team comprising Koppa PSI BE Madhu, NR Pura PSI Nuthan and Hariharapura PSI Sridhar Naik following back-to-back burglaries.Haneef used to visit these places often and allegedly used to target houses that were located close to the main road, police said, adding he operated alone.Police said they have recovered valuables worth Rs 11,45,000 and a car used for the crime. The accused has sold a few gold articles to a jewellery shop in Bengaluru. According to police, Haneef sold valuables in other states too.Police have suggested residents take several measures to prevent theft, including using bank lockers to keep gold jewellery and silver articles. People have also been urged to inform local police before leaving the house for a long time. In addition, CCTV cameras would help provide more security, they stated.
