Petty theft is posing not such a petty problem during these times. The pandemic has meant a spike in crimes, in neighbourhoods and residential localities.

This paper carried an extensive report about the spike in burglaries in Kharghar. Though that report concentrated on one particular area, this pattern can be seen in pockets across the city. There are a combination of factors fuelling this disturbing and at times, deadly spike. Our police force is engaged as COVID warriors, some above 55, are off duty due to government stipulations.