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The men, part of an 11-member gang, who are from Meerut and Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh, had arrived in the state by flight.
They also reportedly transported two-wheelers from Delhi via train to travel around and commit thefts, said police. One of the gang members was arrested by Thrissur Police from whom the officer received information about the five men who were staying in Kochi, sources said. The accused men were picked up from a lodge in Kalamassery in a joint operation with Thrissur Police. The men used to target houses under construction, large generators containing copper strips and telephone exchange booths. Subsequently, City police raided the lodge in coordination with Thrissur Police. Later, police received information that five more members of the racket were operating in Kannur; they too were arrested with the assistance of Kannur Police. Four two-wheelers, cable cutters, keys, mobile phones, watches, cash and identification cards were seized from the accused. Some of the arrested persons were history-sheeters with cases at Thrikkakara police station.
Kochi : Five Uttar Pradesh natives, members of an interstate gang involved in theft, were arrested from Kalamassery on Sunday.