The thieves are back. With monsoon strengthening, the robbers have returned to their favourite destination, Tripunithura and nearby areas. Triggering panic among local people, a temple at Thekkumbhagam near here was looted. The thieves broke open the donation box and looted the money which was collected for the renovation work of the temple.
According to the figures available with the Hill Palace Police, more than 50 cases of robbery were reported from the area during the monsoons in 2011 and 2012. Also, as many as 32 incidents of robbery were recorded in 2010. Meanwhile, the residents have alleged that despite them living under the threat of thieves and housebreakers, the police had failed to give them protection.
“For instances, though the theft was reported last day, the police have not yet registered a case . Though 30 sovereigns of gold ornaments were stolen from a jewellery store in a broad daylight last year, the police have not got any clue about the perpetrators yet,” they said.
They alleged that the police was not taking any measures to reduce the thefts in the season. “Earlier, there was a co-ordination between the police and residents. Regular meetings were held and action plans were charted out to form a force with the participation of cops and residents to conduct night patrolling. However, for the last couple of years, this has not been happening here which has turned out to be a blessing for thieves,” they added.
Meanwhile, the police said once the monsoon sets in, the area turns out to be good hideout for thieves. “Tripunithura has a vast isolated spots hide. There is also a railway station which facilitates easy escape after theft. If a theft happens within Kochi city limits, the culprits can be easily trapped by closing down of the existing routes. However, in the case of Tripunithura, it is not possible,” the police said.
Hill Palace sub-inspector P R Santhosh said adequate measures will be taken to prevent any untoward situation this monsoon. “Night patrolling will be conducted more effectively,” he said and added that though they have plans to install surveillance cameras in the area, they lack adequate funds.