Kathmandu, October 14

Metropolitan Police Range, Kathmandu, said it had taken a set of measures to combat property crimes, including burglaries, pickpocketing, robbery and snatching during the festive season.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Hobindra Bogati informed that as many as 90 suspects were arrested in the past five days as part of special measures against property crimes. “We have deployed over 100 plainclothes cops round-the-clock to catch burglars and gather intelligence,” he said.

According to MPR, the ongoing campaign focuses on controlling crimes both during the day and at night in unattended houses and rooms, crowded places and public vehicles in core city and beyond Ring Road areas. The special units are keeping vigil and frisking suspects in crowded areas, bus parks, marketplaces, solitary places, residential areas and business enterprises, among others.

DSP Bogati claimed that cases of property crimes had declined following the implementation of  special security arrangements targeting Dashain, Tihar and Chhath.  The special teams are deployed in residential areas which look virtually deserted during Dashain as the majority of people have already left for their home districts to celebrate the festival with their family.

MPR is also working in close coordination with anti-theft section of all metropolitan police ranges. Police said they were having a tough time dealing with property crimes due to involvement of same groups and persons in burglaries after doing time in jail or being released on bail. More than 40 per cent of the burglars turn out to be repeat offenders, thanks to the provision of lenient punishment in such cases.

Police have advised people not to keep cash and jewellery in the house and rented rooms  if they are going to leave Kathmandu during the festive season.