Gang of women chors troubles small units

Break into company premises and steal metal parts early in the morning, owners feel there's no use lodging a complaint

Gang of women chors troubles small units

Break into company premises and steal metal parts early in the morning, owners feel there's no use lodging a complaint

Seven thousand-odd slowdown-hit small-scale manufacturing units in Pune-Pimpri Chinchwad MIDC are fighting a losing battle with a persistent enemy petty thieves.

"The incidence of petty theft, especially during the night, have gone up in sectors seven, eight and 10 of the Pimpri-Chinchwad New Town Development Authority, and in Bhosari, Talawdae, Kudalewadi and Gulwewasti.

Our appeals to the police for increased patrolling have fallen on deaf ears," said Nitin Bankar, secretary, Pimpri-Chinchwad small industries association.

u00a0
The thieves are getting bolder because a number of units, which have been hit by the slowdown, are not open in the night anymore," Bankar added.

In February, some thieves scaled the boundary wall of the RK enterprises unit and stole material worth Rs 20,000.

Lalit Bhatiya, proprietor, R K Enterprises told MiD DAY that he did not register a complaint with the police.
u00a0
"Complaining to the police does not help. The last time the thieves tried to break in, a fortnight ago, the police control room took a long time to pick the call, and by the time they arrived, the gang had fled," said Bhatiya.
u00a0
Last year, hooligans tied the hands of the watchman at Mane Electricals, a unit in Bhosari, and drove away with some equipment in a tempo.

Ramdas Mane, proprietor of Mane Electricals, said, "There is a gang of four to five people led by women, who break into company premises, to steal metal parts early in morning."

False allegations

DCP Mahesh Patil said it was not true that the police was not doing to guard the manufacturing units. "Our vehicles regularly patrol the MIDC area.

In fact, the number of thefts have gone down substantially in the past few months. We have also advised the units to appoint security guards," said Patil, who was unable to offer statistics to support his claim that thefts in his jurisdiction have declined.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels