Spike in streetlight thefts alarms Phagwara residents

A troubling wave of streetlight thefts has sparked alarm in Phagwara, as unidentified miscreants continue to strip the city’s public infrastructure of poles, lights, and electrical wiring under the cover of darkness. The rising incidents have left several neighbourhoods in near-total darkness, endangering residents and disrupting civic life. Multiple localities, including residential and market areas, have reported thefts in recent weeks. In several cases, entire streetlight poles have been uprooted and wiring meticulously extracted, pointing to a well-coordinated operation rather than petty vandalism. Locals claim the thefts typically occur in the early hours of the morning when streets are deserted and security presence is minimal. Despite repeated complaints to the local police, citizens allege that there has been little to no progress in identifying or apprehending the culprits. Many express frustration over what they describe as a lacklustre response from law enforcement and an absence of preventive measures such as night patrolling in the affected zones. “We have filed complaints, but there’s no follow-up, no arrests. These thieves are emboldened because they know there’s no deterrent,” said Rajesh Malhotra, a resident of the Model Town area, which has reportedly seen multiple streetlight units stolen in recent days. Residents fear the darkened streets are now becoming potential hotspots for accidents, street crimes, and harassment. The elderly and women, in particular, have voiced concern about venturing out after dusk. Local shopkeepers, too, are feeling the impact, with many reporting a decline in foot traffic during evening hours due to poor visibility and safety apprehensions. In response to public concern, Municipal Corporation Phagwara Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta, IAS, acknowledged the severity of the problem and its implications for the city’s broader urban development efforts. “We are committed to transforming Phagwara into one of the most well-lit and well-maintained cities. However, such acts of theft directly sabotage our goals and compromise the safety of residents,” said Dr Gupta. “This is not just theft — it is an attack on public property, funded by taxpayers, meant for community benefit.” Calling for stronger community involvement, Dr Gupta urged residents to become active stakeholders in protecting civic infrastructure. She emphasised that collaboration between authorities and citizens is key to preventing such incidents. “People must report suspicious activity immediately. We must start viewing public property as our shared responsibility. It is only through collective vigilance that we can safeguard what belongs to us all,” she added. To counter the threat, the Municipal Corporation is reportedly preparing to install CCTV surveillance in sensitive zones and form local surveillance committees. These groups will include members from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), market associations, and volunteers, and will work in coordination with local police to monitor suspicious activities. Meanwhile, residents are calling for faster, more transparent investigations and visible police presence in theft-prone areas. Civic activists have also suggested the integration of GPS trackers in expensive public utility items and quicker repair or replacement of stolen infrastructure to prevent areas from remaining dark for extended periods.

Jalandhar