Major Theft at Shiam Apartments Triggers Widespread Security Concerns

 

A major theft reported from Shiam Cooperative Group Housing Society, Sector-11 has caused deep concern among residents and exposed serious gaps in night-time security in residential areas of the sub-city. The incident, which occurred on the night of 16th December, involved a high-value burglary at Flat B-402 and has led to strong reactions from the victim, legal experts and local residents, all of whom have called for stronger policing and preventive measures.

The incident has prompted residents across Dwarka to re-evaluate security measures in their societies. There is a growing demand for coordinated action between police, civic authorities and RWAs to improve night surveillance, restrict unnecessary movement and ensure that residential colonies remain safe. As the investigation continues, the theft at Shiam Apartments has become a wake-up call, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance, preventive planning and swift law enforcement response to restore residents’ sense of security.

The theft took place while my family and I were away in Bengaluru for professional work. During our absence, unidentified persons broke the lock of my fourth-floor flat and stole gold and silver ornaments, cash, five wristwatches and other valuables, including gifts meant for my children. As per my preliminary assessment, the total value of the stolen property is between ₹60 and ₹70 lakh. The incident came to light early the next morning, after which society members immediately informed the police. The SHO and the Investigating Officer reached the spot promptly, registered an FIR and initiated the investigation. I appreciate the cooperation extended by the society residents, security guards and police officials. I have full faith in the police administration and have been assured of a proper and thorough investigation. I sincerely hope that the stolen property will be recovered at the earliest. I also appeal to the concerned authorities to ensure stronger security arrangements so that such incidents can be prevented in the future.

Advocate Ravnivas Bansal, the victim

The incident is extremely alarming and a matter of serious public concern. CCTV footage clearly shows three masked thieves cutting wires and entering the society by climbing over the boundary wall. The miscreants allegedly locked several flats from the outside and escaped with cash and ornaments worth over ₹60 lakh. Such a crime taking place in a Cooperative Group Housing Society, which is generally considered safer than many other residential areas, raises serious questions about the overall security situation in Dwarka. I strongly urge senior police officers to increase night patrolling and ensure close and continuous monitoring of the investigation.The police have access to extensive CCTV networks, including Delhi Government cameras as well as those installed by nearby societies, and these should be effectively used to trace the movement, routes and vehicles of the criminals. I also call upon RWAs and management committees to urgently strengthen internal security, repair boundary walls and reinforce barbed wiring to prevent such incidents in the future.                   

Advocate V.P. Vaishnav

Vice President, Kargil Apartments

The theft was an unfortunate and rare incident for our society. Despite the presence of security guards, the thieves took advantage of the society’s corner location and entered from the park side after cutting the barbed wire. They cleverly locked residents living on the third and fourth floors from outside, ensuring that no alarm was raised during the cold winter night. Our society is surrounded by parks and has a side road leading towards a petrol pump, which remains active even at night and increases the vulnerability of the area. I believe the authorities should barricade such side roads during night hours and allow access only through main roads, as is done in other parts of Delhi. I also appeal for increased police patrolling, especially during night hours. Many senior citizens live alone in the society, and their safety must be given the highest priority.

Dhirender Deswal

President,  Shiam CGHS, Sector-11