Job Loss to Crime Boss: Pune Couple’s Bicycle Heist Leaves Police Pedaling Behind
Pune, 30th October 2023: A couple, facing unemployment challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, turned to a life of crime by stealing expensive bicycles to make quick money.
The Sinhagad Road Police have arrested the duo, identified as Vijay Rajendra Pathak (36) and Diana Denzil D’Souza (25). A total of 14 high-value bicycles, estimated at a worth of Rs 3,50,000, were recovered from their possession.
The theft in question occurred on August 6 in Anandnagar, within the jurisdiction of the Sinhagad Road police station. A case was registered, initiating an investigation by the police.
On October 26, the breakthrough came when Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Nikam and the Investigation Team, patrolling near Vadgaon bridge, observed a man on a black bike with a woman seated behind, transporting a cycle. Upon questioning, the suspects identified themselves as Vijay Pathak and Diana D’Souza.
Growing suspicious, the police delved into inquiries about the bicycle. Their vague and unsatisfactory responses raised red flags, leading to the revelation that the couple had been stealing expensive bicycles for amusement. Subsequently, they were detained and later arrested.
Despite being well-educated, the couple resorted to this criminal enterprise after losing their jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their illicit activities began in 2020 when they targeted bicycles from a reputed company for recreational purposes. However, faced with financial hardships, they transitioned from stealing for fun to stealing for profit.
A total of 14 bicycles, valued at Rs 3,50,000, were confiscated from the couple.
Senior Police Inspector Abhay Mahajan disclosed that three cases have been solved, and investigations are ongoing regarding the remaining bicycles.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of DCP (Zone 3) Suhail Sharma, Assistant Commissioner of Police Appasaheb Shewale, Senior Police Inspector Abhay Mahajan, and Police Inspector (Crime) Jayant Rajurkar.
