To catch a thief, be a thief: Security guard loses phone, steals police jeep before reporting theft

KANNUR: It was past midnight when Hamsath decided he’d had enough. He had trekked to the Cyber Crime Police Station to report a stolen phone, but found the premises seemingly deserted. Frustrated and—crucially—quite "spirited" after a quick visit to a local bar, the 49-year-old decided he wasn't walking home.

Spotting a police jeep parked in the courtyard with the keys still in the ignition, Hamsath didn't overthink it. He hopped in, cranked the engine, and peeled away.

Hamsath, a native of Thozhiyoor in Guruvayur, works as a security guard at a beach resort in Payyambalam. His bizarre adventure began early Saturday morning. He had first approached the Town Police Station to report his missing mobile, only to be redirected to the Cyber Station. Somewhere between the two stops, he decided to "lubricate" his frustrations with a few drinks.

The Cyber Crime Station is located within a high-security compound that houses the District Police Headquarters and the DIG’s office. Finding the station doors shut, Hamsath spotted the department’s Mahindra Bolero (KL 01 CH 8189) and figured it was his designated ride for the night.

Hamsath didn't just slink away; he went on a full city tour. He first pulled into a petrol pump to refuel the government vehicle before cruising through the streets of Kannur. The "climax" arrived when he pulled up at a thattukada (street food stall) near SN Park.

Locals became suspicious when they saw a man in dishevelled civilian clothes stumbling out of the driver’s seat of a police vehicle. When confronted, Hamsath initially tried to talk his way out of it, but as the crowd grew restless, he confessed to his impromptu "appropriation" of the jeep.

Town Police Inspector Kailas Nath arrived at the scene and took Hamsath into custody. While the "thief" is behind bars, the real heat is on the department. Senior officials have demanded a formal report on the security lapse, and disciplinary action is expected against the officers who left the station unattended and the keys in the ignition.

In the end, Hamsath wanted the police to find his phone; instead, the police had to find Hamsath to get their car back.