Residents across Brahmanbaria are living in growing fear as a wave of thefts targeting homes, businesses and public institutions spreads from villages to the district town, leaving people increasingly helpless.
Electricity service wires, air-conditioner copper pipes, window frames, stair railings and even toilet window glass are being stolen in broad daylight and at night.
Allegations have emerged that stolen materials are being openly sold at scrap shops across the district, with locals accusing authorities of failing to take effective action against either the thieves or the alleged buyers.
In Sarail Upazila’s Shahajadapur Union, residents of Deora village reported repeated thefts ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, including the theft of electricity service lines from nine households in a single day.
Within a week, the same household cluster reportedly faced theft twice. Similar incidents were recorded in nearby Khans, Pathan and South Khan households, while five shops in Deora Bazar also lost electrical wiring.
Locals say drug addiction is a major driving factor behind the rising incidents. “Drug users are mostly involved in these thefts at night. It is happening continuously,” said local resident Iyar Khan.
In Nabinagar Upazila’s Barail Union, Jalshuka village has also seen a sharp rise in electricity wire thefts, with around 30 to 35 households reportedly affected over the past two months. Union Parishad member Mujibur Rahman said theft has increased significantly over the past six months, blaming a group of drug users operating in the area.
Institutional targets have also been hit. The University of Brahmanbaria in Datiara area was robbed twice before and after Eid.
On 24 May, thieves dismantled and stole an outdoor air-conditioner unit from the treasurer’s office, while aluminium window frames from the auditorium were also taken. A further attempt to steal AC units from the conference room failed after a night guard intervened.
Officials said repeated incidents have left them concerned, adding that police visited the site following a complaint.
Public offices have also been affected, including theft of copper pipes from district council facilities, generator wiring from the family planning office, and water motor equipment from multiple union health centres. Several institutions reported repeated losses despite lodging general diaries with police.
In the district town, incidents include theft of AC gas pipelines from the Bangladesh Television Journalists Association office and equipment from the Shilpakala Academy. Local technicians say they have recently installed copper piping in around 10 stolen AC units.
Scrap yards in Sarail, Sadar and other upazilas are under scrutiny amid allegations that stolen electrical wires, copper pipes and aluminium fixtures are being sold without restriction.
Brahmanbaria Superintendent of Police Shah Md Abdur Rouf acknowledged a rise in petty thefts. He said police operations have disrupted drug networks, which has pushed addicts into theft for money. “We are arresting suspects regularly. A list of scrap dealers involved in purchasing stolen goods will be prepared and drives will be conducted,” he said.
