RESIDENTS of Khalsa Rd in Ba are sleeping a bit easier after police stepped up their presence in the area after reports of violent home invasions and robberies over the past few weeks

As a result of the criminal activity, residents had been living in a constant fear.

This has changed since deputy divisional police commander SP Abdul Khan visited the area on Tuesday.

Police presence in the area has increased significantly with random patrols during the night calming the nerves of residents. One of the victims, Shanti Lal, a canecutter, said despite the police patrols he was still finding it difficult to sleep and was constantly monitoring activities around his house.

Four men tore down a window and entered his home last week during a violent home invasion.

“One of them held a knife to my neck while the other three began searching through my house and took all my wages, groceries and other goods,” he said.

“Luckily, my wife was away at the time, otherwise who knows what could have happened.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said while she could confirm receiving reports of the attack, the use of a knife could not be substantiated.

“We can confirm the reports and as of last week members of the community there have been working with police to set up a crime prevention committee,” she said.

“They were content with the actions taken by police to date.”