Theft cases reported at frequent intervals from different parts of Ernakulam district in the past few months have triggered concerns over security. At least 10 theft cases, different in style and scale, reported from across the District havegrabbed public attention in the past few months.

The latest incident added to the public safety concerns as a man lost his right thumb while trying to prevent a theft attempt at Pathalam in Eloor on Thursday (September 3, 2026) night. Saleem K.A. (62), was severely injured by an unidentified man who allegedly tried to snatch a gold chain of his daughter-in-law. The police are yet to nab the accused.

Earlier this month, three men from Assam were arrested by the Railway Police in connection with alleged robberies reported from Aluva and Angamaly railway stations on August 28 and 30. The police recovered ₹40,000 in cash, four mobile phones and six sovereigns of gold from their possession.

In July, the Hill Palace police nabbed Jijo Babu, a 39-year-old native of Malayattoor, for allegedly stealing a woman’s mobile phone. The police said he was a serial offender accused in several theft cases and his modus operandi involved targetting women boarding crowded buses. In June, the Kuruppampady police had arrested another serial offender, Kollam native Babu. A., following an alleged theft of ₹15,000, a mobile phone and a tablet from a shop at Pulluvazhi.

While the cases reported from the city and suburbs pertained to theft of cash, gold and other valuable items, at least three buffaloes were reported stolen from Paravur region in August.

The police, meanwhile, said theft cases were being reported only occasionally and most of them were minor incidents. “Stealing of electric items including copper wires and wiring fittings from construction sites are among the cases reported recently. The police have been conducting intense patrolling in vulnerable areas and monitoring usual suspects. Of late, the presence of shadow police have also been increased in vulnerable areas,” a senior city police officer said.