GUWAHATI: An unusual and frustrating trend has emerged in Guwahati as business owners struggle with a surge in thefts of copper wires and air conditioner outlet wires. This persistent issue has left them enraged and the financial toll is significant, as most of the damaged equipment cannot be repaired.
CCTV footage has provided clear evidence of these thefts, often showing local rag pickers engaging in the criminal activity. In a recent incident, an electronics store in Lakhtokia was targeted. "This is the second time in a row. One of the ACs was already defunct due to such thefts. Now, thieves have stolen the copper wires of the functional one. We have the evidence. But no action has been taken," the store manager said.
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"The ACs cannot be repaired once the wires are pulled out. We have incurred losses of up to ₹40,000. Additionally, the cost of copper wire is high. It costs around ₹1,500 for a meter of wire," the manager added. He also alleged that rag pickers scout the area during the day under the pretense of collecting recyclable materials and steal the wires late at night or early in the morning.
An official from Panbazar police station acknowledged the issue but offered little comfort. "There are complaints about rag pickers stealing wires from business establishments. As it is easier for them to commit the crime from outside, this trend is increasing. They usually melt the wires and sell them. We are looking into the matter. This nuisance has been creeping across the city. It is indeed a matter of shame," the official said.
Similar incidents have been reported in Lokhra. Nitin Sharma, the owner of a two-wheeler showroom, shared his frustration. "This has been a daily nuisance. I have replaced the wires for the third time to date. Now it has gone beyond control. After checking the CCTV footage, we noticed rag pickers stealing the wires for easy money. Ultimately, they use it for substance abuse."
Sharma's woes are echoed by fellow business owners in Lokhra, who share similar tales. However, their attempts to seek help from the local police have been met with unexpected humour. "When we approach to file a complaint, the police mock the owners in return," Sharma shared, adding an extra layer of frustration to their predicament.
An official from Basistha police station claimed, "There has been no such incident reported lately. Earlier there were a few cases, but we nabbed the culprits and proper actions were taken." Clearly, the official's reality and that of Lokhra's business owners exist in parallel universes.
A source in Central police district said, “The thieves are mostly addicts and live in slum areas,” adding that the wire is stolen and sold to scrap dealers as the copper wire is expensive and it is in high demand for the scrap dealers. The police officials said that most of the times such incidents are not reported, if ll such incidents are reported, the issue can be resolved.
As videos of these thefts surface on social media and the tension escalates, the business community of Guwahati can only hope for a more attentive police response.