LUCKNOW, Feb. 25 -- This gang of burglars gave the term 'cash from trash' a whole new meaning in Lucknow. The so-called 'kachra' gang's modus operandi was unique, using garbage for a recce of the houses they intended to target and then finding out whether the premises were vacant, according to the Lucknow police.

First, they dumped waste in front or inside the premises at night. Coming back the next day, they would check whether trash had been moved. If not, it was a sure indicator that the residents were away, giving the gang ample opportunity to strike later.

But as the oft-repeated saying goes the long arm of the law caught up with the suspects. The Sarojini Nagar police in Lucknow busted the gang and arrested four of the six members...