In the past several days multiple theft cases were reported in various parts of Ponda, raising questions over policing in the taluka. Recently two ATMs were stolen at Usgao. Thieves also entered a temple at Khandola and fled with gold, silver ornaments and cash, all worth Rs 10 lakh. In another incident, two unknown thieves on a motorcycle snatched a gold chain from a lady. Four unidentified thieves assaulted a shop-keeper at Mardol. In the last 15 to 20 days several incidents of chain-snatching were reported in Priol, Mardol, Chirputem, Arla and other nearby places. It is learnt that the Ponda police station is facing difficulties to deal with rising crimes due to shortage of staff. A few years ago the government had reportedly announced new police stations at Mardol, Shiroda and Dharbandora. They are yet to see the light of day. It seems necessary for the police to conduct a flag march in Ponda taluka which will serve as a deterrent to criminal activities and increase the confidence of the citizens in policing.
