Mangochi Police have reported an increase in burglary and housebreaking cases, with most incidents occurring at night as criminals target homes in search of valuables that can easily be sold for quick financial gain.
Speaking in an interview with The Truth Online Publication, Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer, Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, said the recent trend has seen offenders breaking into homes to steal mobile phones, electronic devices, and other valuable household items.
“Recently, we have recorded an increase in burglary and theft cases, particularly incidents where offenders break into homes during the night.
These crimes are often driven by the desire to steal valuable property that can easily be sold for quick financial gain,” she said.
Inspector Daudi noted that general theft remains one of the most frequently reported offences in the district, with mobile phones and electronic gadgets being among the most targeted items due to their ease of disposal.
Despite the rise in housebreaking incidents, she said cases involving robbery and other violent crimes have remained relatively low, attributing the development to sustained police operations, strengthened community policing initiatives, and increased public awareness on crime prevention and personal security.
On police-community relations, Inspector Daudi described the partnership between law enforcement officers and residents as strong and improving.
“Our relationship with the community is good. We continue to work closely with citizens through community policing initiatives, and members of the public regularly provide us with valuable information that helps prevent and investigate crime,” she said.
She further encouraged members of the public and the media to obtain information through official police communication channels to ensure accuracy and avoid the spread of misinformation.
“The public and the media are encouraged to obtain information through my office or other official police communication channels. We are committed to providing timely, accurate, and verified information while ensuring that ongoing investigations are not compromised,” Inspector Daudi said.
Mangochi Police have also appealed to the public to verify information before sharing it, rely on official police statements and credible media sources, and report any false or misleading information to law enforcement authorities.
According to Inspector Daudi, responsible information sharing helps prevent unnecessary public panic and strengthens trust between the police and the communities they serve.
She also expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation from members of the public while raising concern over the increasing involvement of young people in criminal activities.
“We would like to thank the public for their continued cooperation and support. Safety and security are a shared responsibility. We have also observed that many of the offenders involved in these crimes are young boys. We therefore urge parents and guardians to closely supervise and guide their children, instil good values, and discourage them from engaging in criminal activities,” she said.
