Residents of Khoshbagan near Surya Chowmuhani in the state capital apprehended three youths on Friday morning while they were allegedly attempting to steal copper wires from an air conditioner of a residential building.

According to local residents, the area has witnessed a series of thefts in recent weeks, particularly involving copper wires from air conditioning units installed in homes and commercial establishments. Concerned over the rising incidents, locals had intensified their vigilance.

On Friday, alert residents reportedly caught the three suspects red-handed while they were trying to remove copper wiring from an AC unit. They immediately detained the accused and informed the police.

A team from East Agartala Police Station reached the spot and took the three accused into custody. Police also detained another individual suspected of having links to the incident for questioning.

An investigation has been initiated to determine whether the accused are part of an organized theft racket and whether they were involved in previous theft cases reported from the area.

The repeated thefts have sparked concern among local residents, who have urged the police to take strict legal action against those responsible and increase regular patrolling in the locality to prevent further incidents.