Bhubaneswar: A theft recorded on closed-circuit television at a sweet shop near Lingipur traffic square has prompted a police inquiry after footage showed a woman taking cash from a drawer moments after buying sweets, officials said on Wednesday.
Incident and initial police action
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, when the woman reportedly arrived in a car, entered the shop, purchased sweets and exploited the shopkeeper’s distraction while the items were being packed. The video shows the woman apparently opening a cash drawer and removing money before leaving the premises.
The shop owner lodged a formal complaint at Dhauli police station, after which local officers began verifying the CCTV footage and initiated steps to trace the vehicle seen in the recording. Police said the footage “clearly shows the suspect’s actions” but added the woman’s identity and the exact amount taken remain unknown.
“The CCTV footage clearly shows the suspect’s actions,” police said, while investigations continue to determine the identity and trace the vehicle used in the incident.
What police are doing
Investigating officers are carrying out standard procedures: enhancing and reviewing the footage, checking nearby cameras for additional angles, and attempting to trace the car through registration details and traffic records. No arrests have been made so far.
Authorities also told reporters they are speaking with local traders and residents to collect witness accounts and to ascertain whether similar incidents have been reported in the vicinity. The probe remains active and police expect to identify the accused as enquiries progress.
Local reaction and merchant precautions
The theft has prompted concern among nearby shopkeepers, who said the episode highlights the vulnerability of small merchants during busy hours when attention is divided between customers and handling cash. Traders called for heightened vigilance and better preventive measures at retail outlets.
- Keep cash securely locked and avoid leaving cash drawers open while serving customers.
- Install or maintain visible CCTV cameras and ensure recordings are regularly saved and backed up.
- Train staff to be alert to distraction techniques and to request identification for suspicious behaviour.
- Coordinate with neighbouring shops to share CCTV feeds and to notify police promptly on suspicious activity.
Incident summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sweet shop near Lingipur traffic square, Bhubaneswar |
| When | Tuesday evening |
| Complainant | Shop owner (complaint lodged at Dhauli police station) |
| Evidence | CCTV footage showing suspect taking cash from drawer |
| Current status | Police verifying footage and tracing vehicle; identity and amount unknown |
The theft underlines practical security challenges for small retailers across Bhubaneswar, where busy junctions such as Lingipur see heavy foot and vehicle traffic. Local police have urged shopkeepers to remain vigilant and to report incidents immediately so that video evidence can be preserved and promptly examined.
Residents and traders are advised to cooperate with investigators if approached for statements and to pass on any additional footage or information that may help identify the suspect. Continued coordination between shopkeepers and law-enforcement will be crucial in preventing similar crimes and in aiding a swift resolution to this case.
Note for readers: If you have information or CCTV footage relevant to this incident, contact Dhauli police station with details to assist the ongoing investigation.
