A week after the spate of burglaries at Yamunanagar in Pradhikaran, the police have arrested a suspect.

The police said the suspect has been identified as Rajendra alias Raju Phuge, a resident of Dhankavdi in Pune, adding that 26 cases have already been registered against him at various police stations in the city.

Deputy commissioner of police Mahesh Patil said the police have been able to recover some of the stolen items from the possession of the suspect.

Meanwhile, the Nigdi police have called a meeting with residents of the locality this week.

DNA had last week reported how the rising number of thefts has spread fear psychosis in the minds of the residents, who are facing serious health problems due to loss of sleep and peace of mind.

The residents are afraid of leaving their houses even during daytime following the rising number of thefts in broad daylight.

There are nearly 1,000 bungalows in Yamunanagar. The bungalows near Dinesh Supermarket are more prone to thefts as some of these have been broken into twice.

Though the local police chowki has registered a number of cases, some of the residents are still reluctant to lodge complaints. The area comprises educated, upper middle class and senior citizens' population.

Police inspector (crime) at Nigdi police station, Bhimrao Tile, had earlier said patrolling has been increased in the area. Around 67 burglaries have been reported in Yamunanagar in 2008. Of these, 61 thefts took place during night time. The police were able to solve 14 cases while valuables worth Rs36 lakh have been stolen in these incidents.

DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication