7 minors caught for Mohali thefts

Tribune News Service

Mohali, August 13

The local police have rounded up seven minors in the age group of eight to 11 years for petty thefts, mainly in locked houses here.

The accused belong to five migrant families living at Mataur village here.

Inspector Gurmeet Singh Sohal, SHO of the Mataur police station, said the minors were trained in thefts and mainly targeted locked houses.

“Three of them were caught at the local Aam Aadmi Party office at Sector 71 from where they had stolen several things, including taps and steel goods. They targeted the office three times,” said Sohal.

He said the minors used to enter houses from small spaces and steal things, mainly made of iron and steel.

“They have contacts with some Chandigarh-based junk dealers, who used to buy the stolen goods from the minors,” said the Inspector.

The police said the mothers of some children were aware of the illegal acts of their wards and even supported them to make a quick buck.

During questioning, they revealed that they recently sold stolen goods to a junk dealer for Rs 1,000 and divided the amount among themselves, he said.

“Investigations are on in this regard. We are trying to identify the junk dealers who used to buy the stolen goods from them,” said Sohal.

The minors were produced before the duty magistrate today, who directed the police to produce them before the Judge for juveniles tomorrow, said the Inspector.

Sold stolen goods to junk dealers

The minors used to enter houses in Mohali from small spaces and steal things, mainly made of iron and steel. They had contacts with some Chandigarh-based junk dealers, who used to buy the stolen goods from them.