Spurt in burglaries dampens spirit

Guwahati: City couple Sushanta and Manideepa had to cancel a visit to their native village in Dhemaji this Rongali Bihu, all thanks to a burglary in their neighbourhood on Monday night.
According to state police records, more than 32 thefts and 12 burglaries were recorded daily across the state last year. The trend continues this year too.
"In 2015, Assam saw 4,739 burglaries and 12,024 thefts," the records said.In 2014, 4,823 burglaries and 12,198 thefts were reported.
The rise in crime has dampened the Bihu spirit with many residents avoiding leaving their houses unguarded after dusk. Most of the crimes took place in upscale neighbourhoods.
More than 200 such cases have already been reported here since the beginning of this year. Assam Police recently issued an alert on safety tips. "Have only one access door to the house and keep the rest securely bolted from inside. For securing the door, use high-calibre locks or metal strips," the alert said.
Police urged residents to have wide-angled peepholes and door chains installed on the access door. "While answering the front door, do not switch on the hall light. You should also not be in the light while looking through the peephole or observing through the window," the advisory added.
Locals, however, said action, not advisories, was needed. "Police catch thieves and let them out on bail," said Girish, member of a ‘nagarik' committee. Nagarik committees allow residents to police their localities.