Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Mar 23: Clearly, there has been an increase in the number of crimes during the period after the coronavirus pandemic entered our lives. During the last eight months, 131 crime cases were registered in the town and rural police stations. This has given rise to a sense of alarm among the police and the general public.

The police believe that one of the reasons for the steep rise in the number of crimes could be the sudden rise in unemployment. Many have lost their employment and are facing financial crises. Businesses and services which nosedived as a result of coronavirus have not yet recovered fully. Farmers and self-employed people too are encountering serious problems. Therefore, many are likely to be facing the urge to indulge in unlawful activities. Following this, the police have been spreading awareness among the people to be alert and careful.

Social reasons

In the past, people stayed in joint families and had close contact and good relationship with their neighbours. When the entire families left for attending functions etc, the neighbours took responsibility to keep a watch on their houses. But now misunderstandings on property and financial dealings have become more common and people often have no knowledge of what is happening next door. This has come as a blessing for those indulging in theft and robberies, a policeman pointed out.

Unemployment and reduction in income might naturally give rise to a criminal mindset. Thefts and robberies are on the rise both in towns and villages. Police alone cannot handle the thefts and other crimes on their own in future and therefore, the citizens have to give importance to their own safety and follow precautions to avoid these things.

People should not keep unduly high amounts of cash and ornaments in their homes. Arranging for enough lighting around houses, temples, shops etc, not allowing strangers to enter houses, not giving utensils and ornaments to others for polishing, keeping neighbours and police informed during long outstation trips, not allowing aged and handicapped persons alone at home, women should avoid moving around with heavy ornaments alone, alerting the police if strangers or strange behaviour are witnessed etc go a long way in reducing crimes.