Kumasi, July 29, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Police Public Affairs Directorate recorded 2,543 stealing cases from May to July. The quarterly report showed that 2,083 cases were recorded between May to August last year.

A statement issued in Kumasi on Friday and signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jordan Quaye said 1,473 stealing cases were also recorded from January to April.

It said there was an increase of 299 cases, comparing figures of the second quarter of 2005 and the three months of the second quarter of 2006.

It attributed this increases to influences of stealing, unemployment, fashion drive, movies, absence of moral values, greed and rejection of ex-convicts in society. It called for the formation of neighbourhood watch committees in communities, establishment of police school cadets in junior secondary and tertiary institutions.

It also urged property owners to engage the services of middle-aged retired members of the security services instead of very old and physically weak civilian pensioners.