DIY for burglars: Man breaks windshield with salt and saliva, arrested

The accused Devaraj is native of Andhra Pradesh, who has been residing in Villivakkam for the past couple of years together with his wife and children. He visited areas where cars would usually be parked for long hours and targeted such vehicles, said police. 

According to the confession reportedly made by the accused, his modus operandi was to throw a mixture of rock salt and saliva at the window panel with as much force as possible to break it without making much noise. Then, he would reach inside to snatch and escape with whatever valuable is inside, said the investigation officer.

Following several complaints of theft of laptops, bags with cash being stolen in and around Virugambakkam, Saligramam and Valasaravakkam, police launched a hunt for the persons involved. 

On Wednesday, a team led by Virugambakkam inspector Velmani intercepted a man on suspicion on Arunachalam Salai at Saligramam. The investigation revealed that he was the one they were looking for. 

“He learnt the method by watching the videos on YouTube. However, in some instances, he also used a long iron rod to make holes and break the glass panel,” said the inspector. The team seized Rs 4 lakh from Devaraj, who was remanded in judicial custody.