Vadodara: For two men allegedly stealing goats in Khambhat in Anand district, the plan was simple — use a relatively expensive subcompact crossover SUV to transport the animals to evade suspicion. However, CCTV cameras and technical surveillance eventually led police to their doorstep.Khambhat City police arrested two Nadiad residents in connection with the theft of four goats from near Ambika Mata temple in Mochiwad and seized the white Maruti Suzuki Fronx, valued at Rs 4 lakh, used to transport the animals.Police inspector P J Bantwa said the accused believed that using a four-wheeler, rather than a goods vehicle, would help them avoid suspicion when they took the goats away.The car was owned by the accused and according to police, using it was part of their modus operandi.On Aug 19, the four goats — two billies and two does — were stolen. Police examined CCTV footage around the crime scene, besides using technical surveillance and human intelligence.The trail led investigators to near the Katakpur gas godown, where they found Rakesh Thakor and Dhruv Raval, with the car. The four goats were also recovered. Police said the accused admitted to stealing them.The value of the vehicle seized is eight to 50 times the value of a single goat, depending on the animal. According to police, a goat can fetch between Rs 8,000 and Rs 15,000. Thus, the duo used a Rs 4 lakh SUV to steal livestock worth Rs 32,000 to Rs 60,000.Police records also show that the two men have had previous brushes with the law.Thakor has a case registered at Bayad police station in Aravalli district, while Raval has cases registered at Nadiad town in Kheda district and Vejalpur police station in Ahmedabad.Bantwa said police were also examining the duo’s involvement in earlier goat thefts.
