Serial thief 'Tikka' caught after robbing multiple homes

A suspect who broke into several houses in the Nawalapitiya area and stole gold jewellery and cash fell into police custody, the Nawalapitiya Police stated.
The suspect is a 34-year-old father of one named Mahesh Madushanka, alias 'Tikka', a resident of Kendopitiya, Nawalapitiya.
He is severely addicted to narcotics and warrants exist for his arrest over various offences, including drug trafficking and housebreaking. While out on bail since last January 22, he broke into eight houses and stole gold jewellery worth nearly LKR 3.5 million, approximately Rs. 40,000 in cash, and four mobile phones.
The stolen gold jewellery lay buried near the suspect's house at the time of recovery.
The suspect stated that he used all the stolen money to consume drugs, and after consuming ice narcotics, thoughts of breaking into a house to obtain money came to his mind.
He has also disclosed to the police that he requires around LKR 8,000 daily to purchase narcotics.
Investigations revealed that the suspect carried out these robberies by keeping watch on the houses of government employees who leave their homes for work.