The number of theft cases in coastal Karnataka has been rising steadily, with more than 650 thefts reported in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts up to the end of November this year. Of these, over 60 cases were recorded in November alone, raising serious concerns among residents and law enforcement agencies.

With temple fairs, festivals, public events, and year-end tourist inflow increasing across the region, thieves are exploiting crowded locations to carry out crimes. Recently, during the Nema ritual at Sri Brahma Baidarkala Garadi in Hejamady, three women from Tamil Nadu allegedly stole a gold chain from an elderly woman. The incident, captured on video, went viral on social media. Acting swiftly, the police tracked down and arrested the accused.

Police officials say several such incidents have occurred in recent months, prompting authorities to adopt multiple strategies to identify and apprehend offenders.

Thieves Target Crowded Religious and Tourist Spots
At present, coastal districts are witnessing a high number of religious festivals, fairs, and public gatherings. Taking advantage of the large crowds, organized theft gangs—often disguised as local women—operate with precision. These offenders reportedly dress traditionally, adorn flowers in their hair, and speak basic Tulu and Kannada to blend in and deceive unsuspecting devotees.

District-Wise Theft Statistics

From January to the end of November:

Udupi district: 271 theft cases

Mangaluru Commissionerate limits: 260 cases

Dakshina Kannada district: 134 cases

In November alone:

Udupi district: 20 cases

Mangaluru Commissionerate: 26 cases

Dakshina Kannada district: 18 cases

Notorious Inter-State Thief Arrested
Police have also arrested Itte Bappe Abubakar, a notorious inter-state thief with a long criminal history. This year, he allegedly broke into a house in the Shirva police station limits and stole gold jewellery worth over ₹12 lakh. Earlier, he was involved in another burglary in Naravi, Belthangady, where jewellery worth over ₹9 lakh was stolen from a teacher’s residence. He is currently in police custody.

Burglars Targeting Vacant Houses
In Udupi city, burglars have continued to target vacant houses. More than 20 burglary cases were reported this year in areas including Kodankoor, Kadiyali Temple premises, Bellarpady, police quarters, and revenue department residential complexes. Police have arrested several accused in these cases, who were found to be from Kerala, Maharashtra, and Haveri.

Investigations have revealed that many criminals travel from other states and districts to carry out burglaries involving homes, banks, cooperative societies, and commercial establishments.

CCTV Coverage and Preventive Measures
Under the Shaina Drishti project, CCTV cameras have already been installed in several parts of Udupi city. Additionally, some wards have implemented the Drishti scheme through public-private partnerships to enhance night security. While most areas under the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate have CCTV coverage, rural areas lack such surveillance, making them vulnerable to theft.

Police Advisory
Despite the absence of CCTV footage in some cases, police have successfully solved several thefts through intensive investigation. Given the increase in public movement during festivals and year-end celebrations, police have urged citizens to remain vigilant, safeguard cash and jewellery, and promptly report thefts to the nearest police station for timely action, said Hariram Shankar and Dr Arun K., Superintendents of Police, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada