A 27-year-old youth has been arrested by the criminal investigation unit of Anamaduwa Police, for robbing a number of equipment from schools and houses on various occasions.
The arrested youth, residing in Kottukachchiya area, is said to be a severe heroin addict.
According to the police, the said youth had become a heroin addict in his school days due to the association with a group of youth hanging around in Mellankulama junction.
He had robbed schools including Kottukachchiya Vidyalaya, Ethungoda Vidyalaya, Sirambiadiya Vidyalaya in Medananda Vidyalaya in Kaladiya and various houses when he had been short of money to purchase heroin.
The police also stated that 16 cases have been filed against the suspect so far.
Police investigations have uncovered that this youth had stolen money and various equipment including brass lamps, cassette recorders, DVD players, electric fans, amplifiers and, then sold them to people in outlying areas.
Reportedly, the worth of sold stolen items is estimated to be over Rs 500,000.
The said youth had also sold off all equipmet in the house he has been living in.
The arrested youth has confessed that he carried out the robberies by himself, sometimes by walking miles for this purpose.
The suspect is to be produced before the Anamaduwa Magistrate’s Court.
