Kawang Gewog in Thimphu is reporting an increasing burglary and auto stripping incidences in recent times. Locals are now requesting police for night patrolling and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in their gewog.
Thimphu police recorded nine burglary cases and six auto stripping cases in the gewog this year alone.
Thieves broke into two cars on the same night, a few days ago in Kabesa. Owners lost their personal belongings including cash. Many more such incidences are left unreported in the gewog.
The Kawang Gup Thukten Wangchuk said, “People enquired us to seek support from the police in installing CCTVs in the gewog. However, during the recent meeting with the police, the police officer told us that they will look into the matter. Along with people, I also requested the police to carry out night patrols. We learnt that the police started carrying out patrolling these days.”
Except for few, most houses in the gewog do not have CCTV surveillance. The gewog administration is planning to install some CCTVs in some core areas in case if there is any money from the gewog budget.
“Every house owners have installed CCTV cameras in their building. Now it seems that burglars started attacking in villages since here we do not have CCTVs,” the gup added.
“Recently some culprits have stolen belongings by destroying doors and window. Most of the time, people lose their belongings during day time since most go to offices and for their daily works,” Wangdi, a resident, said.
The gewog administration also plans to institute Friends of Police (FoP) for youths in the gewog in collaboration with the police to maintain a safe and secure community. Kawang gewog has close to 300 households with little more than 2,500 population.
Pema Tshewang
