Alangad: Residents of Karumaloor and Alangad in Ernakulam have demanded proper police surveillance, especially at night, after a series of robberies were reported in the areas. Five thefts have already been recorded under the Alangad police station limits this month alone.

The latest incidents include the theft of cash from a lottery shop at Malikampeedika and electronic appliances from an establishment at Manaykkapady a couple of days ago. Last week, copper wire and other items were stolen from a building at Palakkal, Mariyapady. Earlier, ₹8,000 in cash and a gold bangle were taken from a house near Purappallikkavu in Karumaloor, while an attempt was also made to break into a house at Thattampady.

In August, a major burglary had taken place at an electronics appliance godown in Kottappuram. Despite these frequent robberies over the past year, the Alangad police are yet to make a single breakthrough in their investigation.

With robbers and drug-linked gangs having a free run, residents are now afraid to step out of their homes at night, making it easier for criminals to target houses and shops. Meanwhile, incidents of gypsies who purchase scrap items from houses, attacking residents in Karumaloor, Alangad, and Kadungalloor, have also spread fear among the public.