Women and elderly residents living in fear

SAFETY has become a serious concern especially for women and the elderly in Taman Thivy Jaya, Taman Nuri Indah and Taman Sri Putih in Seremban.

House break-ins and snatch thefts are so rampant in these housing estates that they have become an everyday subject of conversation for people living here.

I am writing this letter out of great concern for our safety and to help safeguard the little that the low- and middle-income people in these areas have.

In the most recent snatch theft, the victim was my neighbour, a middle-aged woman in Taman Thivy Jaya.

Two foreigners on a motorcycle rode towards her when she was picking some flowers outside her house compound.

The pillion rider got off the motorcycle and violently tried to snatch her gold chain.

She managed to break free and ran into a neighbour’s house, but the perpetrator pursued her, punched her in the face and snatched her chain despite a warning from an elderly neighbour.

These thieves have no fear at all. This is a clear indication that the thieves know they can get away with this kind of act.

The incident happened when there were only senior citizens around. What if there was no one around? It could have been worse!

As a community leader, I believe the authorities, especially the police, can do a lot to help the people.

Here are some suggestions on how to prevent the situation from worsening.

> There must be more police patrols in these housing estates.

> Suspicious-looking people and youths hanging out in groups by roadsides and at secluded spots must be questioned. > Start a police beat in the area. Apart from these measures, there must also be plainclothes police personnel making the rounds to spot suspicious individuals.

If the police can make their presence felt, the criminals will shy away.

I hope immediate and appropriate action will be taken to ensure the safety of residents in these areas. BALAKRISHNAN RAMIAH Seremban