News
Woman and four others arrested over home invasions
By Norman Palihawadane
A woman and four others suspected of operating an organised gang involved in home invasions and robberies across multiple police divisions were arrested on Saturday (18), the Wennappuwa Police said yesterday.
The gang reportedly used a toy pistol to intimidate residents and rob gold jewellery and other valuables.
Officers from the Crimes’ Branch of the Wennappuwa Police Headquarters recovered a stash of stolen items, including gold jewellery and other valuables worth approximately Rs. 10 million.
The suspects include a 36-year-old woman who had rented a house in Matugama, her 33-year-old husband, two of her brothers, and a friend.
Police said that investigations had revealed that the gang frequently stayed in holiday accommodations in various areas for a few days before breaking into nearby homes during the day and night to carry out robberies.
Police are conducting further investigations into the gang’s activities and their involvement in other similar crimes.