Night-time burglaries on the rise in city

By G. Anand

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JULY 11. There has been an upswing in night- time burglaries in the city, with 103 housebreakings being reported within the city limits till May 31 this year, according to the police.

On an average, 30 to 40 night burglaries are being reported in the city every month. However, in most of these cases, the police have failed to make a detection or recover the loot.

With the onset of the monsoon, housebreakings are being carried out under the cover of darkness and rain by professional burglars who leave few clues, including finger-prints, behind, police said.

Negligence on the part of house owners was one of the main reasons for house thefts in the city. In many cases, it was found that the house owners had either forgotten to lock the door leading to the terrace or left the keys on almirahs, thus making the task easier for the burglar.

Most of the burglaries in the city were carried out by criminal gangs operating out of the suburbs or from the neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu. The common strategy was to make a "hit" in the city and run for their safe houses, police said.

The shortage of personnel and vehicles for night patrolling was one reason for the upswing in night-time burglaries, according to officials. The majority of the Flying Squad vehicles are diverted to provide escort for Ministers and VIPs.

The strength of the Museum Police Station, for instance, at any given time is around 30 policemen. The station has within its jurisdiction several residential colonies, including the official homes of Ministers, public venues (such as Kanakakkunnu palace) and the Legislative Assembly complex. After allocating men for a full day's duty, the station has very few to spare for night patrolling and crime investigation.

The Flying Squad patrol vehicles are in a run-down condition, while the police station vehicles are also in such a state of disrepair that Station House Officers are forced to commandeer private vehicles for night patrol duties.

To achieve a breakthrough in property offences, it required dedicated investigation and a good criminal intelligence gathering network. The lack of funds for recruiting informants from the criminal groups has impeded the work of the crime squads, officials say.

According to a Kerala Police Association office-bearer, it was impossible to verify the statement of a suspect within the 24- hour deadline set for production of the individual before a court of law. "Many officials who have bent this rule to achieve detection, are fighting private complaints for illegal detention and violation of human rights," he said.

In 2000, the city police had launched a "Combined Action Against Thieves, Cheats and Hooligans" (CATCH-2000) programme by enlisting the help of residents' associations. A resident association office-bearer charged that the programme had ground to a halt owing to lack of enthusiasm from the part of the police department.

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Section  : Southern States
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