Guwahati: Recurring petty thefts in areas under the Latasil police station continue to worry residents.Households in Barwari, Uzan Bazaar, Kali Bari Railway Colony and Lamb Road said thefts of copper wires, water taps, electricity and water meters, and motorcycles have become routine since the Covid-19 lockdown. Many residents have installed CCTV cameras and hired private guards despite increased night patrols by the police.Most incidents occur between 3 am and 5 am. Police said 13 FIRs have been registered in the last six months, and 11 accused arrested.“The incidents are not linked to any organised gang and are mostly carried out by individuals,” said Ranjan Moni Mosrang, sub-inspector (unarmed branch), Latasil police station.Mosrang said the thefts are largely committed by rag pickers from Kamrup (Rural), describing them as repeat offenders who are released after arrest.“We have intensified preventive measures and night patrolling in vulnerable areas. Three police vehicles are deployed for patrolling, and the situation is currently under control, and stolen items are frequently recovered,” he added.Nistha Baruah, a Lamb Road resident, said her home has seen four thefts in three years, and a car and another motorcycle were stolen from outside the residence. She cited a recent theft of copper wire from a mobile tower on their rooftop in the early morning hours.Police said sustained patrolling and preventive action have reduced incidents in recent months, but residents said insecurity persists.“Despite repeatedly filing complaints and sharing CCTV footage with police, stolen items have not been recovered,” said Baruah. “However, we do notice police patrolling between 2 am and 4 am sometimes, and thefts seem to have reduced recently, but the patrolling is not regular,” she added.
