Team Herald
PANJIM: The police have registered a case in the Sao Tome theft incidents and have begun investigating the matter. However, the residents have expressed concerns over the police registering only single FIR despite thefts being reported from multiple establishments.
The Sao Tome neighbourhood, a popular tourist hub in Panjim, witnessed a series of thefts in the early hours of Sunday, leaving residents alarmed and demanding heightened security measures.
Panjim Police Inspector Vijaykumar Chodankar confirmed that an FIR had been registered on Sunday evening after it was established that cash was stolen. However, Chodankar assured the media that investigations were underway and that leads were being pursued.
An unidentified thief broke into multiple establishments, stealing cash and valuables from three cafés and a bar, and allegedly attempting to target a residential property.
Among the affected establishments were the renowned Ashok Bar, Venite Restaurant, Dakshin Tiffin restaurant and Larder and Folk Café. At one café, the thief reportedly made away with Rs 48,000 in cash and a cellphone worth Rs 10,000 after breaking open the main door. Another café reported Rs 25,000 stolen, while a third establishment lost Rs 1,000. Ashok Bar reported a theft of approximately Rs 2,000.
Residents suspect the incidents to be the work of an organised gang, citing the systematic targeting of businesses and even a residential house whose gate was broken during the night.
CCTV footage captured the thief’s movements across various locations, raising hopes among locals that the police will use this evidence to identify and apprehend the culprit.
The spate of robberies has left locals frustrated with the lack of adequate patrolling in the area. A resident pointed out that police presence is often limited to nearby Fontainhas Lane, leaving Sao Tome vulnerable despite its high tourist footfall.
A shop owner emphasised that the issue goes beyond financial losses, stating, “It’s about the safety of the residents, especially the elderly. If such incidents can happen in a busy, tourist-filled area, what does that say about the safety of those living here?”
Some residents reported hearing loud noises during the night but mistook them for garbage collection activity, which often occurs late at night. It was only in the morning that they realised the sounds were linked to the thefts.
Local businessman Vallabh Narvekar voiced the community's concerns, calling for increased patrolling, especially during late-night hours.
With the neighbourhood already grappling with disturbances caused by an influx of tourists obsessed with making reels and posting on social media, the recent thefts have further eroded their sense of security.
Locals are hopeful that the police will prioritise the case and apprehend the thief promptly, not only to recover stolen property but also to set a precedent for stronger law enforcement. The use of CCTV footage could prove crucial in achieving this, as residents look to the authorities to restore safety in the locality.