Cab Driver Steals Jewellery Worth ₹7 Lakh on Mumbai-Pune Expressway; Police Issue Advisory for Travellers
PUNE – In a wake-up call for commuters on the busy Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a couple was recently robbed of gold jewellery worth ₹7 lakh by their private cab driver. While the stolen ornaments were eventually recovered, the incident has prompted the Khopoli Police to issue a stern advisory regarding the rising frequency of thefts at highway food malls.
The Incident: A Costly Stop at Grand Ocean Cube
On February 7, a 37-year-old woman and her husband were returning to Mumbai after attending a wedding in Pune. Around 4:15 PM, the couple stopped for refreshments at the Grand Ocean Cube food mall.
Trusting their driver, the couple left their bags inside the vehicle during their hour-long break. It was only upon reaching their destination that Ahuja discovered a gold bangle and a gold ring were missing from her luggage.
Caught on Camera
Despite the driver’s initial denials, the couple returned to the food mall the following morning to review CCTV footage. The visuals were damning: the driver was seen moving from the front to the back seat, spending several minutes rummaging through the bags while the couple was away. Following a confrontation and police involvement, the jewellery was recovered within 24 hours.
A spokesperson for Grand Ocean Cube confirmed that they provided full cooperation, noting that while they have a dedicated “lost-and-found” cell, they frequently receive calls regarding missing valuables.
Police Warning: “Carry Your Valuables”
Police personnel of the Khopoli Police Station said that while thefts have historically been reported in luxury buses, there is a worrying spike in cases involving private cabs.
“Passengers often leave their valuables inside the vehicle when they go for refreshments. I advise all travellers to always carry their jewellery and cash with them, even for short breaks,” the officers stated.
Safety Guidelines for Expressway Travellers
To avoid falling victim to similar crimes, the police have shared the following safety tips:
- Keep it on you: Never leave jewellery, cash, or electronics in a parked cab or bus.
- Trust, but verify: Be cautious when hiring private transport and keep an eye on the vehicle if possible.
- Report immediately: If you suspect a theft, contact the nearest police station and the food mall management to secure CCTV footage promptly.
- Stay alert at facilities: Avoid handing over bags to strangers while using public restrooms or dining areas.
