PANJIM: Worried about the safety of near and dear ones especially senior citizens and disheartened at the recent robbery attempts on their properties in Goa, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in a passionate appeal to the State government have called for securing their homes by intensifying police patrolling and deal with robbery cases promptly.
It is pertinent to note that several cases of thefts at NRI houses have been reported across the State, the latest being reported in Zuarinagar, Vasco. These houses are easy targets for thieves, despite some having CCTV cameras installed outside and inside. While the NRIs work hard abroad to earn a living since they do not get jobs in their home State, their houses and valuables are being plundered by unscrupulous elements from Goa and from outside the State.
O Heraldo team spoke to a few locals and NRIs on the latest surge in thefts.
The team sought to know from NRIs what they want the neighbourhood or government to do regarding rising cases of thefts at their closed houses.
Manoj Kesarkar, a resident of Benaulim said of late many closed and NRI houses are being targeted.
“Within the last two or three months you have seen houses and properties grabbed. Mostly closed houses are targeted. They go abroad to make a living, leaving their parents and valuables behind. But their houses are targeted by Goans and outsiders. We should do something,” Kesarkar said.
“I’m creating awareness. We need to keep an eye on closed houses and when unknown people are seen around, we should complain to the police,” he added.
Albert Pinheiro, a resident of Loutolim said that there is a surge in thefts in Loutolim and Camorlim. Many houses have been built by Goans, who have migrated. Palatial bungalows are kept closed. Miscreants know that gold and valuables are kept there.
“Thieves do recce places on bikes of isolated bungalows and it’s easy for them to break open. Only the police are not to blame. If we notice unknown persons, we should report them,” Pinheiro said.
Vanessa Da Costa, an NRI from Dunstable, UK said, “We are disheartened at the robberies happening in Goa on NRI properties. Our elders and belongings are not safe. We are here to earn our livelihood. It is not possible to keep an eye on our houses. The State government (police) should ensure that our houses are safe.”
Enfian Pereira, an NRI from Wallington, London said he is a victim of house breaking. He said he is worried about a surge in robbery cases in Goa.
“It is disheartening, that as we make a living abroad, our houses and belongings are not safe. I hope the authorities (police) secure our homes through patrolling and deal with the robbery cases quickly,” he added.
