DIMAPUR: A series of recent theft and burglary incidents in Dimapur has renewed concerns over property security, with residents and local organisations calling for stronger preventive measures and more effective investigation of cases.
One of the latest incidents involved ECentre, a training facility in Duncan Basti, which was reportedly burgled twice within a span of about three weeks. According to a complaint, the first theft occurred between September 5 and 6, when air-conditioner copper fittings were stolen. The loss was discovered on September 7.
The facility was targeted again during the early hours of September 28. This time, the burglars reportedly took additional AC copper fittings, a laptop and a mobile phone. The incident was captured on the centre’s security cameras, with the recorded footage subsequently made available to police as part of the investigation.
The incidents come amid growing concern over copper wire and AC copper coil thefts in different parts of Dimapur. The Joint Council Forum (JCF), representing several colonies including NST Colony, Churches Colony, Middle Point, Nyamo Lotha Colony and Khermahal, recently urged authorities to take stronger action against such thefts.
The JCF has also called for investigation into the possible chain involved in the disposal of stolen copper, including scrap dealers and intermediaries who may knowingly handle stolen materials. The forum said repeated thefts were causing financial losses and contributing to a sense of insecurity among residents, businesses and institutions.
Theft remains a significant crime category
Crime statistics released by Dimapur Police in 2024 showed that theft was the largest individual crime category, with 206 cases registered across Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland up to December 21. The same report recorded 12 burglary cases and nine robbery cases.
More recent district-level data reported in October 2025 showed a mixed trend. Theft cases in Dimapur district fell from 211 in 2024 to 80 during January-August 2025. However, cases classified as criminal trespass/burglary increased sharply from 12 in 2024 to 100 during the same period in 2025.
The recent incidents have also highlighted the potential importance of surveillance infrastructure. Dimapur Police launched a centralised command centre in April 2026, with CCTV and automatic number plate recognition cameras installed at several major junctions. Police said the system would assist not only with traffic management but also with crime detection and deterrence.
With businesses, training centres and residential areas reporting property-related incidents, the latest cases have brought renewed attention to the need for proactive policing, neighbourhood vigilance, functioning CCTV systems and prompt reporting of suspicious activity.