SHILLONG, Nov 30: A spate of street crimes like stealing, pickpocketing and snatching have been witnessed in localities around Khyndai Lad, much to the concern of the residents in the area.
Residents say that several areas like Jail Road, Oakland and Bivar Road under Sadar Police Station have seen a spike in such crimes which is sending a shiver down their spine.
According to the locals, there is a group of addicts who are indulging in such untoward activities.
Speaking to media persons, a shopkeeper from Jail Road, Gautam Dey, admitted that such incidents are taking place for a long time and since there is not much security, the areas need police presence to deter such anti-social elements. Commenting on the matter, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (Sadar), East Khasi Hills, Supriya Das, said that the department is aware of such crimes in the area and also about the rise of drug addicts.
Informing that several measures to stop such incidences have been taken and police patrolling upped in the areas, the officer added that snatching and pickpocketing intensify during festive seasons, even as she added that police have deployed its men to keep a tab on such activities.
In addition, the cops are also in touch with mobile repairing shops and other shops where the thieves are likely to go to sell their hoard of stolen stuffs. She also urged people to report such cases immediately.
On the other hand, Jitendra Das, headman of the area, said that several steps were taken in collaboration with the Sadar Police station at the community-level to make the area safe.
He further informed that people are hesitant in reporting such crimes, adding that the locality has held meetings in this regard.