Drastic rise in theft cases in Salcete

NT NETWORK
MARGAO
There has been a steep rise in theft cases in several parts of Salcete, and in particular, Navelim, Margao, and Colva during the last eight months.
Valuables such as gold, cash and electronic items were stolen, and none of the major cases have been detected.
During the last eight months, in all 155 cases of thefts including robberies, dacoities, and auto thefts were registered by the police stations in South Goa. Of the 155 cases, 77 cases have been detected. According to sources, during the last eight months, 33 cases of housebreak-ins were reported in South Goa, of which 16 have been detected, while of 13 cases, which were reported during the day, five have been detected. As many as 50 auto thefts were reported in South Goa during this period, and 30 cases have been detected.
The figures indicate that theft cases, particularly, the housebreak-ins increased in the taluka during the first five months of the year, and a property worth Rs 54,72,294 was stolen. However, the Salcete police succeeded in recovering the stolen property worth Rs 7,73,500 only.
Of the four police stations in Salcete, only Margao police station has recovered stolen property while remaining three police stations – Colva, Cuncolim and Maina-Curtorim have failed in recovering a single rupee of the stolen property thereby disappointing the people whose houses, flats, shops etc were broken into.
There has been a steep rise in house thefts, chain snatching and other thefts in Salcete, and in particular in Colva, Cuncolim, Navelim, Margao, and other areas during the last five months.
According to the figures available, from January to May 2016, property worth Rs 27,32, 292 was stolen from the jurisdiction of Margao police station, but the police have managed to recover a property of Rs 7,73,500 only.
The Margao police arrested 73 accused in various cases.
It is pertinent to note that the Margao police station has jurisdiction over 20 municipal wards. Valuables such as gold, cash, electronic items and other items were stolen but none of the major cases could be detected, and property recovered was almost negligible.
Besides these incidents, chain snatching has also raised its ugly head in Salcete.
The police claim that a gang of chain snatchers has been arrested, however, chain snatching cases are still on in the villages of Salcete besides some parts of Margao.
A property worth Rs 7,75,000 was stolen from Maina-Curtorim police station jurisdiction, however, the police could recover no stolen property.
A property worth Rs18,63,000 was stolen from the Colva police stations areas, and the recovery of stolen property was nil.
The residents, whose flats and houses were targeted blame the police for failing to recover the stolen property.
The police said that the recovery percentage remains poor, but efforts are being made to improve the detection rate.
According to the police, there are practical challenges in the recovery of stolen valuables such as gold ornaments which are soon melted by the culprits.
According to a senior citizen, living in apartments has now become a nightmare. He said that burglars are targeting the apartments in various parts of Salcete, which are empty and have easy escape routes.
He said that the police must take note of the grievances of residents staying in isolated areas, and patrolling must be increased, especially, during the nighttime.