Burglars target 6 shops overnight, steal only cash
Police said the break-ins took place during the night, with the culprits focusing only on cash.
MAPUSA
In a daring late-night theft, unidentified burglars targeted the busy Mapusa municipal market on Thursday, breaking into six shops and stealing cash, while leaving all goods untouched in what appeared to be a carefully planned operation.
Police said the break-ins took place during the night, with the culprits focusing only on cash. The affected shops included one packaging store and five readymade garment outlets.
Shop owners arrived the next morning to find their premises in disarray, with items scattered across the floor – but nothing taken except money.
“One of the thieves cut open my cash box and took the cash, but didn’t touch any of the goods,” a shopkeeper said, pointing to the planned nature of the crime.
The incident has shocked the trading community and raised serious concerns about security gaps in one of North Goa’s busiest commercial areas.
The large market, which is central to Mapusa’s economy, now appears vulnerable, with questions being raised about poor police patrolling and the lack of proper surveillance.
The theft comes soon after a major burglary at a doctor’s bungalow in Ganeshpuri, adding to fears that criminals may be seeing Mapusa as an easy target.
Despite being an important commercial town, Mapusa continues to face poor CCTV coverage. Cameras installed years ago in the market are reportedly not working, while repeated promises by the municipal council to upgrade the system have not been fulfilled.
The timing of the theft – just a day before the well-known Friday market – has further unsettled traders.
Members of the Mapusa Merchants Association (MMA) expressed anger, saying shopkeepers are repeatedly left at risk.
“Every time, it is the shopkeepers who suffer. We keep hearing announcements, but there is no concrete action on the ground,” said MMA President Jeetendra Falari.
Echoing the concern, MMA member Pandurang Sawant questioned the role of the authorities.
“The police ask us to install CCTV cameras and hire security guards. If we have to do everything ourselves, why are we paying taxes?” he asked, while also questioning the effectiveness of police patrolling in the area.
Sawant also criticised the Mapusa Municipal Council for not setting up a Town Vending Committee and for failing to create a proper vending zone, calling it another sign of administrative neglect.
Mapusa Police have registered a case and started an investigation.
