In a brazen act of deceit, a thief disguised as a disabled person recently stole a junior doctor's iPhone from Hallet Hospital in Kanpur. The incident, which occurred on August 20, 2025, saw the perpetrator, identified as Mohammad Faiz, apprehended within 60 minutes of the crime.
Faiz entered the hospital feigning a disability to gain the trust of the medical staff. Exploiting this trust, he quickly snatched the doctor's mobile phone and attempted to flee. However, law enforcement responded swiftly, and Faiz was caught within an hour of the theft.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of healthcare settings to such crimes, despite the constant presence of staff and security measures. Thieves often target hospitals due to the high volume of people and the potential for distracted staff. The quick response of the police in this case is commendable and serves as a deterrent to others who may consider similar actions.
Cases of thieves posing as someone else are not uncommon. For instance, a man was recently arrested for impersonating the personal assistant of Karnataka's Education Minister. Similarly, a Michigan woman is facing charges for posing as a nurse. These incidents underscore the importance of vigilance and security protocols in various sectors.
In February 2024, a masked thief was caught on video stealing dozens of iPhones from an Apple Store in Berkeley. In another incident, a thief broke into a doctor's office in Houston, stealing computers, files, and research. These cases demonstrate the diverse targets and methods employed by criminals.
The arrest of Mohammad Faiz in Kanpur serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining security and vigilance in public spaces. It also showcases the effectiveness of rapid response by law enforcement in apprehending criminals and recovering stolen property.