Kolkata Police’s records show the number of burglary increases manifold during monsoon. A steady downpour like the one in the last week means that people are forced to spend indoors, and there is slack in vigil.
If the rain is heavy, the constant drumming drowns the sound of breaking locks. It also helps the thieves that most doors and windows remain closed and the streets too remain empty, which makes it easy for them to flee.
Especially vulnerable are cars and 2-wheelers left on road, and taking them away on the sly is not a tall order for expert burglars.
Post monsoon the thieving scene undergoes a change. As the puja frenzy picks up and buyers throng the malls and shops, it is time for kepmars to get going. They are very adept and adroit in picking pockets in thick crowd, and vanish in thin air after successful catch.
Story has it that kepmars come in hordes to the city during the puja from neighboring states, and they operate in groups. They divide ‘fishing areas’ among themselves, and seldom does one group trespass into the areas of others.
The police of course know these well, and so starting every monsoon their job of maintaining vigil increases. However, despite all steps thefts do not stop if only because there always are people who are characteristically careless about safekeeping their belongings.
That is not to say the burglars do not improve their skills to net more income. They do too, for it’s the only trade they excel in that fetches them essentials to make a living.
Perhaps the police also want the trade to continue because otherwise what else would keep them busy in these times! [Collated from TT story, Burglars thrive in times of showers]
Leave a Reply