ROURKELA: Ever heard of thieves dialling the police for help? Believe it or not, that’s what happened at Basanti Colony, here, on the night of April 29.Two thieves, in desperation, called up the police helpline number 112 calling for their rescue after they were locked inside a house by alert neighbours.

Public assault was their greatest fear.Confirmed the incident on Tuesday, police said the accused — Simbrumb alias Nanak Singh (30) of Plantsite and Satyendra Kumar Singh (32) of Chhend — prised open the gate lock of a two-storeyed house and entered the ground floor where Madhav Kisan lives as a tenant. Landlord Ganesh Biswal, and the tenant were both away at the time.The duo stole gold and silver ornaments after allegedly breaking open an almirah.

Meanwhile, an elderly neighbour, who was watching TV, heard suspicious noises and alerted others. Residents quickly assembled and locked the main gate and rooftop access, trapping the intruders inside. Police were also alerted.Realising that they had been cornered and fearing a backlash from locals, the two accused called up the emergency helpline and also contacted their family members.Police reached the spot around 2.30 am and rescued the duo even as some agitated residents tried to assault them.

The accused were taken to Uditnagar police station.On April 30 morning, the tenant lodged an FIR regarding the theft. During questioning, the accused allegedly confessed to having stolen jewellery but claimed they had abandoned the items inside the house out of fear. Police recovered the stolen ornaments and returned them to the complainant.IIC J K Sahu said, “Two accused in this theft case were arrested and forwarded to court. Both face criminal cases.”