According to police officials, the duo—who were drug addicts—had carried out at least seven thefts since April in areas including Burari, Paschim Vihar, ISBT Monastery Market, Lajpat Nagar, Khan Market, and Dwarka. Three of these cases have FIRs registered.
Describing their modus operandi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka), Ankit Singh, said, “Rajeev would engage shopkeepers in conversation to distract them, while Sanya would pocket jewellery items. They often changed their appearance and mobile numbers to avoid identification.”
The breakthrough came during an investigation into a theft at a jewellery shop in Dwarka South in July. CCTV footage showed the couple stealing ornaments, and their movements were later traced through cab bookings. A police raid, guided by technical surveillance, led to their arrest.
Items recovered from the couple include a gold ring, gold earrings, a gold locket, and Rs 8,000 in cash.
During questioning, Rajeev and Sanya admitted they turned to crime after suffering financial losses in Punjab and falling into drug addiction. They confessed to selling the stolen ornaments at a ‘cash-for-gold’ outlet in Kalkaji.
Police confirmed that the couple had no prior criminal record. Investigations are ongoing to identify other outlets and individuals involved in the purchase of stolen jewellery.
