A suspect allegedly stole mobile phones and other merchandise worth Rs2.8 million from a shop in Karachi’s Saddar mobile market after secretly replacing its locks shortly before closing time.
The unusual theft, which reportedly took place on the night of October 17, was captured on video and has raised concerns among traders in the busy commercial area.
According to reports, the suspect arrived at the shop and remained nearby for some time before managing to replace the existing locks without attracting the shopkeeper’s attention.
Unaware that the locks had been changed, the shopkeeper closed the business for the night and left the premises.
The suspect then returned, opened the shutter using the replacement locks and allegedly escaped with mobile phones and other valuables worth approximately Rs2.8 million.
Rizwan Irfan, a local traders’ representative, said the entire theft was carried out in just five minutes.
The footage of the incident has reportedly circulated among Saddar mobile market shopkeepers, drawing attention to the method used to gain access to the premises.
A case has been registered at Preedy Police Station in connection with the theft.
The suspect’s identity and arrest status were not disclosed in the initial reports.