Coconut plucker in dual role

Robbed several houses during daytime:

Priyadarshani KAHAWALA-Ingiriya Central Group

A suspect, wanted in connection with a series of robberies was arrested by the Horana Police recently.

He is alleged to have robbed several houses during daytime when the owners were away and stole cash and jewellery. Residents say that he usually comes to their houses on the guise of a coconut plucker.

After plucking coconuts, he requests for a glass of water from the resident and when the resident goes into the house, the man investigates the house well, noting the rooms, doors, windows etc.

After drinking the water, he asks for his fee for plucking coconuts.

When the resident goes inside to get the money, he notes the entry points to the house again including the place where money is kept.

He then waits for the right time when the owners are away and breaks into the house. Investigations revealed that he often enters houses through the roof.

Police said he was released earlier on bail for several robberies in the Homagama area.

At the time of arrest, he had been issued a warrant for a lawsuit by Homagama police.

Police arrested him when he attended a thovil ceremony at a relation's house.

Police said that this person did not have a permanent address and that he travels from place to place engaged in daytime robberies.

The Police also found stolen money and jewellery from a shop in Panadura.

He will be produced before the Horana Magistrate's Court.