Thief uses PG room key, steals inmate’s laptop and other valuables in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: A security lapse at a paying guest accommodation proved costly for an inmate after a thief used a room key left on a common dashboard to steal a laptop, cash and other valuables from a room in Ashwathnagar, Marathahalli, on June 8.

According to the complaint filed by Bantuboina Naveen, 30, who stays in room no. 301 at New Nandi PG for Gents, he locked his room at 6.30pm and stepped out with roommates for tea. As per the usual practice followed by PG inmates, the room key was kept on a dashboard located on the ground floor.

The intruder entered the PG premises, picked up the key from the dashboard and gained access to the room. He stole the laptop, charger, headphones, a PAN card, credit cards and Rs 2,000 in cash before fleeing the scene.

The theft came to light when Naveen returned and found his belongings missing. A review of CCTV footage showed an unidentified man taking the key from the dashboard and entering his room.

A case was registered under Section 305 of BNS (theft in a dwelling house, means of transportation, or place of worship, etc.) at HAL police station, and efforts are on to nab the miscreant. The PG in-charge was not present near the gate, so the thief could easily enter and take the keys, a police officer said.