Agbozume (V/R), July 21, GNA - Three suspected members of a stealing syndicate said to be operating in parts of the Ketu District were caught shortly after breaking into a barbering shop and a residential apartment last Friday at Agbozume.

Electronic gadgets, clothing, barbering equipment and personal effects suspected to be stolen, were retrieved from the hideout of the syndicate at Ahorkpoe near Agbozume.

Also retrieved were a loaded pistol, a crowbar, screwdriver and other implements.

The three, who have since appeared before a Magistrate's Court in Agbozume, were named as Akotey Ehli, 26, unemployed, Kwasi Bodza, 38, a fisherman and 40-year-old Togbevia Awayevu, alias Sakamo, Trader. A fourth suspect is on the run. The three were charged for unlawful entry, abetment and stealing, while Ehil, on whom the pistol was found, faces an additional charge of illegal possession of a firearm. The court did not take their pleas but remanded in prison custody to reappear next month.

Mr Sampson Agboado, Police Inspector at Agbozume, told the court, presided over by Group-Captain Martin Obeng-Ntim (rtd) that last Friday, the three together with a fourth suspect now at large, burgled a barbering shop shortly after converging at the house of Awayevu. They also raided a residential apartment after attacking the barbering shop, the court heard. Mr Agboado said some members of the community chased and caught up with three of them and later retrieved the stolen items from Awayevu's house.