The Ho Municipality is experiencing an upsurge of stealing, with the thieves targeting flat screen televisions.

It is suspected that the thieves use substances which put their victims into deep sleep before breaking in.

Superintendent of Police Nicholas Ofosuhene, Municipal Police Commander, described the situation, which occurred mainly during the yuletide, as worrying.

He told Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Ho that said the Police is doing everything possible to contain the situation, but “we are really being stretched”.

Supt Ofosuhene said the fast growing nature of the municipality, calls for the establishment of more police stations.

He said the Ho Municipal Police, with a single patrol vehicle, are supposed to cater for communities as far away as Awudome-Anyirawase.

“That is only one direction. To other directions too, there are no police stations.  The area needs at least four police stations urgently,” he said.

Supt Ofosuhene also complained about the lethargy on the part of the public to partner the Police to tackle crime and attributed it to fear of reprisal if they are cited as being the cause of the arrest of a criminal.

He said homes vulnerable for burglary are those on the outskirts of town.

He said some households also put off their lights at night in an attempt to minimise the use of electricity, thus giving cover to the criminals to operate.

Some of the victims including,  a Plumber at Voradep Village told the GNA that he had been burgled four times and in one instance, five armed men broke into his apartment, brutalised him and family members and got away with GH₵ 100 and few coins.

Johnnie Agyemen, Manager of a Vehicle Washing Bay, said the activities of the criminals are causing fear and panic in the municipality.

He criticised parents and family members who manoeuvre to get the criminals out of police hands when arrested.

Ms Jocelyn Oclich, Assembly Woman for Bosontoe listed old Mawuli Estate, Adase New Town, Goshen City, as suburbs where the incident is often reported.

She said it is urgent for the Municipal authorities to provide street lights in these areas.

Ms Oclich also complained about the sale and use of narcotics in these areas including large-scale Indian hemp cultivation.