JOIN USThe owner of a photographic studio didn't rely only on the police to catch the burglars who had stolen his three video cameras, two still cameras, 240 grams of gold jewellery and Rs 2.2 lakh in cash.
Using WhatsApp and social media up to the hilt, he circulated messages seeking to buy second-hand cameras for attractive prices, and he managed to track down the thieves.
Last September, Ayaz had got his Someshwaranagar house renovated. Salman (22), a wall painter hired by Ayaz, eyed the valuables and burgled them with the help of a friend, Mohammed Zabihullah (23), when the family went out of town.
In all, Ayaz's family lost Rs 10 lakh worth of valuables.
The theft emerged the next morning when a relative found the door open and informed Ayaz. He also called the jurisdictional Siddapura police. Although the police took up a case of burglary, the investigation soon hit a dead end. But Ayaz didn't give up.
Turns detective
He decided to do a bit of detective work on his own. He floated a message on a WhatsApp group and social media, showing interest in buying used cameras for attractive prices. About 20 prospective sellers contacted him. Ayaz would check the cameras they were selling and decline to buy them if they weren't his.
Ayaz's plan clicked when a man named Fazil, from Mysuru, came to his studio on March 1, offering to sell used cameras.
The moment Ayaz saw the gadgets, he knew they were his. He also verified their serial numbers. He then went for the kill. He called the police, who rushed to the spot and interrogated Fazil.
The man said he had bought the cameras from Salman and Zabihullah at throwaway
prices.
The police then arrested the duo, and also seized two cars and as many laptops from them.
DH News Service