MARGAO: South Goa police stations witnessed 101 thefts over the last seven months, with property worth more than Rs two crore stolen. Of these, the police succeeded in solving 70 thefts and recovering property worth Rs 57. 8 lakh.
South Goa Superintendent of Police Sunita Sawant reported that 69.30% of theft cases across various police stations during this period were solved, leading to the arrest of 101 accused individuals. She noted that the police had intensified efforts to recover stolen property, with the recovery process ongoing. Several accused in theft cases reported in South Goa have been charge-sheeted in court. Only Mardol and Collem police stations reported a 100% detection rate – Mardol registered two thefts, solving both after arresting four persons. The value of stolen property was Rs 1,90,000, with Rs 90,000 recovered. Collem police station registered three theft cases, all of which were solved, with four accused arrested for thefts totalling Rs 2,61,000.
In Quepem, eight thefts were reported over the last seven months, with five cases solved and five persons arrested. Property worth Rs 22,05,199 was stolen, while the recovery amounted to Rs 20,65,199, reflecting a 93.65% detection rate.
Cuncolim police registered seven theft cases, solving four and arresting nine persons. The value of stolen property was Rs 34,16,000, with a recovery of Rs 15,54,000.
Margao police station, one of the busiest in the region, registered seven theft cases, solving four and arresting three persons. Property worth Rs 49,02,242 was stolen, but only Rs 75,000 worth was recovered.
Maina-Curtorim police registered eight theft cases, solving seven and arresting 11 persons. Property worth Rs 8,37,000 was stolen, with a recovery of Rs 2,76,000.
Colva police registered five cases, solving three with one arrest. Property worth Rs 5,00,000 was stolen, and Rs 1,90,000 worth of stolen property was recovered.
Fatorda police registered 12 theft cases, solving seven with nine arrests. The value of stolen property was Rs 6,75,400, with a recovery of Rs 2,30,000.
Sanguem police registered three theft cases, solving two with two arrests. Stolen property was valued at Rs 70,000, with Rs 17,000 recovered.
Canacona police registered seven thefts, solving five with eight arrests. Property worth Rs 12,58,500 was stolen, with Rs 2,80,000 recovered.
Vasco police station, one of the busiest, registered seven cases, solving five with six arrests. The value of stolen property was Rs 5,90,000, with Rs 65,000 recovered.
Verna police registered 12 theft cases over seven months, solving nine and arresting 27 persons. The value of stolen property was Rs 24,98,133, with Rs 3,77,000 recovered.
Ponda, another major police station, registered 13 theft cases, solving eight with five arrests and recovering property worth Rs 4,41,858. The value of stolen property was Rs 17,72,414.
Despite these efforts, recovery challenges persist across most police stations. A senior police officer admitted that the process of recovering stolen property involves legal complexities, often delaying the return of items to their rightful owners. In some cases, police have also arrested those who purchase stolen property.
