Residents of Sadayankadu near Devakottai detained three women, who had been committing thefts in houses in villages around Devakottai and other parts of the district.
They caught three women after they committed theft at the house of Selvi, who was alone at her home. The women were trying to escape in an autorickshaw when the villagers chased and caught them. After beating them, they handed over the three to the Aravayal police station. They were detained at the police station.
The trio would target houses of women or old people and steal after diverting their attention. One of them would enter the house under the pretext of using the rest room or asking drinking water while the other two would talk to the inmate. The first woman who had gone inside would come out after robbing jewels, cash or other valuables in the house. On Monday, they visited the house of Selvi, who was alone at home at Sadayankadu and stole cash.
One of the women gained entry into the house under the pretext of going to the rest room and took away cash in the almirah while others were suggesting Selvi to set up a house garden.
When the women were in police custody, an old man from Thalavayal lodged a complaint that the three women visited his house on October 9. When they demanded water, he went inside when one of them entered the house and decamped with three sovereigns of gold ring, he alleged.
