Jhansi Sarafa Bazaar Asks Customers to Keep Faces Uncovered Amid Rising Theft Incidents

In a proactive move to curb theft in jewelry shops, the Sipri Sarafa Trade Association in Jhansi has put up posters requesting customers to keep their faces uncovered while shopping. The decision comes in response to a rise in incidents of robbery and shoplifting in the area, and has received support from both the local police and residents.

The posters, displayed at various shops in the Sarafa Bazaar, read: “We request customers to keep their faces uncovered while shopping inside the store.” They bear the official stamp of the Sipri Sarafa Trade Association as well as the local Sipri Bazaar police station. Shopkeepers have requested that customers refrain from entering the stores with burqas, veils, angochas, or any face-covering attire.

Uday Soni, President of the Sipri Sarafa Trade Association, explained that the recent surge in gold and silver prices has led to an increase in criminal elements visiting jewelry stores. “Many individuals enter shops with their faces covered, commit thefts, and leave without anyone noticing. When we report these incidents to the police, it is difficult to provide a description of the culprits,” he said.

Authorities have also emphasized the installation of CCTV cameras in as many shops as possible to monitor customer activity. Soni added, “If someone steals while their face is covered, we cannot provide any identifying information to the police. After putting up posters requesting customers to keep their faces uncovered, the initiative has been well-received by law-abiding shoppers. Naturally, only those with dishonest intentions oppose this measure.”

Observations show that theft incidents in jewelry stores tend to rise whenever precious metal prices increase. With the unanimous support of shopkeepers, the Sipri Sarafa Trade Association’s initiative aims to ensure safer shopping for customers and reduce losses for local businesses.