The thief who raised false alarm

A labourer, Kwaku Anim after allegedly breaking into the room of his landlady and stealing items valued at over 10 million cedis raised a false alarm that the house was under attack by armed robbers.

He asked the inmates of the house to keep indoors in their own interest. Dogs in the house, however, were not heard barking nor was the sound of any vehicle heard.

Chief Inspector E. K. Kwashie prosecuting told the Asamankese Circuit court, presided over by Mr S.S. Appiah.

He said Anim on the night of February 14 broke into the room of his landlady, who is out of the country, and stole a 14-inch television set, a sound system with speakers and an electric generator.

He then played a trick to cover his act by raising a false alarm that the house had been invaded by armed robbers and that it was dangerous for anyone to come out.

The next morning after the theft had been detected Anim was suspected and was arrested and later granted bail.

Chief Inspector Kwashie said the Police later had information that the stolen items were in the custody of the person, who stood surety for Anim and when his room was searched the items, except the generator were found.

During interrogation, Anim admitted the theft and explained that he had sold the generator at Kumasi for 800,000 cedis. He then led the police twice to Kumasi on a "wild goose chase" since he could not lead them to the purchaser of the generator.

The Judge, Mr Appiah directed the Police to charge both Anim and the surety with conspiracy to steal and stealing and adjourned the case to May 14.