In a shocking incident, renowned film director and producer Swapna Joshi Waghmare experienced a break-in at her residence located on the sixth floor of a three-bedroom flat in Andheri, Mumbai. The event unfolded early Sunday morning, between 3:10 and 3:30 AM, when the burglar, clad in a T-shirt and shorts, climbed up the building’s drainage pipe to gain access to her home, akin to a scene straight out of a film.
The Intrusion Captured on CCTV
The entire break-in was captured on the CCTV cameras installed in Swapna’s home. Initially, the intruder made his way to the kitchen before attempting to enter the bedrooms. Upon peeking into one room, he spotted Swapna’s elderly mother sleeping on the bed while the caretaker lay on the floor. Moving on, he opened another bedroom door, finding Swapna herself asleep alongside her dog. The sight of the dog startled him, prompting him to retreat.
Details of the Theft
Stolen Amount – ₹6,000
After surveying two bedrooms, the burglar returned to the kitchen area and looked into the household temple before heading towards the third bedroom, where Swapna’s daughter, Sanhita, and son-in-law, Deven, were asleep. In this bedroom, the thief discovered a purse containing ₹6,000, which he stole, while ignoring a nearby laptop. According to Swapna, the burglar likely felt it would be difficult to carry the laptop with him while descending the drainage pipe.
How a Cat Foiled the Attempted Robbery
Just as the burglar was about to touch something else in the third bedroom, another cat in the room started making noise, awakening Deven. Realizing there was an unknown intruder in their home, he shouted “Thief!” and pursued the burglar. In an attempt to escape, the intruder quickly descended through the same drainage pipe he had used to enter.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
Following the incident, Swapna Joshi filed a complaint with the Amboli police station in Mumbai. Notably, Ashok Pandit, president of the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA), has expressed concern over the security of homes, particularly those of senior citizens living alone. He shared a video highlighting the audacity of the intruder and urged the public to take security measures seriously, emphasizing that many security personnel are often distracted or inattentive.
Importance of Home Security
| Security Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| CCTV Cameras | Installing cameras can deter intruders and provide evidence in case of illegal activities. |
| Security Guards | Employing attentive guards who are vigilant can safeguard homes more effectively. |
| Alarm Systems | Using alarms can alert homeowners and authorities immediately in case of a breach. |
| Community Awareness | Remaining aware of one’s surroundings and reporting suspicious activities can help deter crime. |
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety measures in our homes. It is critical for homeowners, especially those with elderly family members, to assess their security arrangements and take proactive steps to protect their residences.
