Traders upset over spike in shoplifting attempts

Around 50 major thefts reported in Kozhikode district during lockdown

The unusual spike in shoplifting attempts during the lockdown has prompted several small-scale traders in Kozhikode district to provisionally seek the support of security guards, besides improving CCTV surveillance. With the police finding their hands full thanks to additional law enforcement duties in the backdrop of the pandemic, traders are not confident of ensuring police protection for shops. Owing to stringent lockdown regulations, traders from distant locations are unable to visit shops even for maintenance work. They are of the view that the issue can be resolved only by facilitating reopening of shops in compliance with the COVID-19 protocol.