A burglary racket that allegedly used Google Maps to identify houses for break-ins across three states has been busted in Jharkhand. Police said three men from Bihar were arrested after weeks of investigation that followed a major theft in the Golmuri area of Jamshedpur.
According to officials in East Singhbhum district, the gang used satellite images and street views available on Google Maps to inspect neighbourhoods without visiting the spot. Police believe the suspects zoomed into areas with large houses and checked for weak walls, isolated lanes and possible escape routes. The method helped them plan burglaries in Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal without drawing suspicion from local residents.
The breakthrough came after a complaint was filed by a homeowner, Rishabh Kumar, on September 19. A special investigation team was formed. Officers reviewed CCTV footage and used technical tracking methods to trace the suspects to Patna. Police later arrested Vikas Kumar, aged 27, Raju Kumar, aged 49, and Mohammad Irfan, aged 26. A firearm, ammunition, gold ornaments and tools used for breaking locks were recovered during the raid. 
Police officials said the gang followed a hit-and-run pattern. They would travel to a new city, locate a house through Google Maps, carry out the burglary and immediately leave the area. Investigators said the group targeted at least six homes in recent months. Officers are checking whether the suspects are connected to other unsolved cases reported in the region.
Senior Superintendent of Police Piyush Pandey said the gang relied less on local information and more on digital reconnaissance. He said that the use of mapping applications made it easier for them to identify rich neighbourhoods in different cities. He added that criminals using technology is an emerging challenge for law enforcement agencies.
Police sources said the case reflects a trend where tech-savvy offenders are adopting modern tools to commit crimes. Officers said criminals now use online information to avoid physical surveys of locations. In other cases reported this year, burglars checked for CCTV cameras through street-view services, tracked social media posts to know when families were away and used GPS tools to monitor movements.
Digital fraud and online scams have also increased. Police officials said phishing messages, fake websites and impersonation calls continue to deceive unaware citizens. In some cases, victims are pressured into sharing bank details or personal information.
The three arrested suspects were produced before a court and sent to judicial custody. Police said further investigation is underway to identify other members and trace more stolen property.
