In a daring theft, unidentified thieves made away with pine nuts valued at approximately Rs3.85 million from a storage facility in Gujranwala, Punjab. Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred late at night, with the suspects breaking into the warehouse and escaping before police could respond.
Local police said the stolen consignment belonged to a wholesale trader, who stores large quantities of pine nuts for distribution across the province. The thieves reportedly targeted the warehouse after observing patterns in its operations, indicating careful planning rather than a random act. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and questioning nearby witnesses to trace the culprits.
The theft has raised concerns among traders and local business communities about security measures for stored goods. Pine nuts, being a high-value commodity in local and export markets, are often targeted by criminals due to their easy resale potential. Police officials have urged traders to implement additional security measures, including surveillance cameras and guarded storage facilities.
Authorities have formed a special investigation team to track down the stolen goods and apprehend the suspects. Forensic experts are also being called in to examine any evidence left at the crime scene, such as fingerprints or tool marks used to break into the facility. Meanwhile, the victim has filed a formal complaint and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Local business associations have condemned the theft, highlighting the impact on traders’ livelihoods. They urged the government to strengthen law enforcement presence in industrial and commercial areas to prevent similar incidents in the future. Officials say that thefts of high-value commodities not only affect individual traders but also disrupt the supply chain and local economy.
Police have assured the public that all resources are being mobilised to recover the stolen pine nuts and bring the criminals to justice. They have also requested community members to report any suspicious activity that could lead to the identification of the culprits.
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