A 32-year-old food delivery worker was recently arrested by the Bellandur police in Bengaluru for allegedly trespassing while paying guest (PG) accommodation and stealing electronic devices. Times of India reported. The suspect has been identified as Naveen Reddy, hailing from Medapalli village in Telangana’s Warangal district. He reportedly stole 16 laptops, four mobile phones and an iPad before he was caught.

Reddy, a graduate, moved to Bengaluru a few years ago and was working for various online food delivery services. While residing in a PG in KR Puram, he observed that many residents left their doors open or ajar. The report states that the person, realizing this opportunity, started stealing laptops, phones and other valuables from the rooms, especially when the occupants were asleep. He allegedly made quick money by selling these stolen items in the last six months.

Police were alerted on October 27 after a resident reported that three laptops and an iPad had disappeared overnight. Bellandur police increased their patrols around PG accommodations and spotted Reddy coming out of a PG premises in Boganahalli around 3:20 am on October 29. The publication noted that he was evasive when questioned, prompting officers to search him and uncover a stolen laptop.

During interrogation, Reddy confessed to theft and revealed his method of destroying the stolen goods. He reportedly photographed the items and listed them on OLX, pretending to be a second-hand electronics seller. The report stated that buyers from cities like Belagavi, Davanagere and Hubballi were unknowingly purchasing stolen laptops and phones.

Bellandur police have managed to recover most of the stolen items and are working to return them to their rightful owners. The release also stated that Reddy has been placed in judicial custody as efforts are on to trace the remaining devices and their owners.