MARGAO: While theft cases are registered by Margao police, recovering stolen property proves to be a prolonged ordeal for victims.
In 2023, South Goa witnessed 156 theft cases, totaling property worth over Rs five crore stolen, with only a fraction of the stolen goods, worth around Rs 1.38 crore, recovered.
Margao, the commercial hub, reported nine thefts last year, with property worth Rs 5.57 lakh stolen.
Recovery efforts managed to retrieve only Rs 4.05 lakh worth of property, however Similar challenges were faced in other areas: Fatorda, Maina-Curtorim, Colva, Cuncolim, Quepem, Curchorem, Sanguem, Canacona, Vasco, Verna, Mormugao, Ponda, Mardol, and Colem, where thefts occurred but recovery efforts fell short. (see box)
The process of recovering stolen property involves legal complexities, often delaying the return of items to rightful owners, admitted a senior police officer.
Despite the efforts of police, some stolen goods, particularly gold, are sometimes melted down and sold, making recovery difficult.
Staff shortage across all police stations exacerbate the issue, with police often justifying their limitations in recovering stolen property due to resource constraints, remarked a city advocate.
