Residents of Pariscoa, a suburb of Sekondi in the Western Region, have expressed shock at the news that two minors have stolen two sewing machines in the area.

The two suspects, 14 and 16 (names withheld), broke into a kiosk belonging to one Agnes Essilfie, a retired nurse, on Monday night and stole the two sewing machines – one electrical and the other manual.

When they were running away with the booty, a neighbour who was going to see off a visitor spotted them and raised an alarm.

Luck, however, eluded the 14-year-old boy as he was arrested, with the manual machine in his possession.

The 16-year-old, on the other hand, managed to escape with the electrical one.

Efforts are being made by both police and some residents to trace his whereabouts. "We will cause his arrest even if he runs out of town," a neighbour said.

The owner of the machines, Mama Essilfie, explained in an interview that the arrested suspect subsequently led neighbours to the family's residence at Adiembra, another suburb.

She said the parents lamented how recalcitrant the boy had become. According to the parents, they were ready to ensure that the suspect was dealt with according to the law.

Vigilante groups have been sensitised to work closely with the Ghana Police Service to fight crime in urban communities in the oil city.