Examining Theft and Robbery in Local Trading Areas
By Kadiatu A Turay.
Markets are the heartbeat of local economies, where traders and buyers come together in daily transactions that sustain livelihoods. However, rising cases of theft and robbery in many local trading areas have raised serious concerns about safety. From petty pickpocketing to organized gang activities, market security is increasingly becoming a challenge for traders and consumers alike. This article delves into the state of safety in our markets, highlighting the perspectives of traders, buyers, law enforcement, and local authorities, while also exploring possible solutions.
A Growing Concern Among Traders and Buyers.
For many traders, the market is not just a workplace it is their primary source of income. However, the increasing incidents of theft and robbery are making it difficult for them to operate with peace of mind.
Haja Fatu Bangura, a vegetable seller at Rontifunk market in Lungi, lamented how thieves are making life unbearable for traders. “I wake up as early as 5 a.m. to set up my stall, and before noon, I have to constantly check my bag and pockets because thieves are always lurking around. They snatch money, phones, and even produce from us,” she said.
Buyers, too, are not spared from these criminal activities. Many have reported being targeted by pickpockets while navigating crowded market aisles. Mariama Sesay, a shopper at Sani Abacha Street Market in Freetown, shared her frustration. “I came to buy groceries last week, and before I knew it, my purse was gone. It had my money, ID card, and bank details. I had to go through a lot of stress just to recover some of my documents.”
The Role of Organized Crime in Market Thefts.
While some theft cases involve individual pickpockets, many markets are now seeing the rise of organized crime syndicates that target traders. These groups operate in teams, using distraction techniques to steal goods, money, or even attack traders during closing hours.
Mohamed Koroma, a trader dealing in second-hand clothes, recounted an incident where a group of thieves worked together to rob him. “A well-dressed man pretended to be a customer, asking for the price of clothes, while his accomplices stood around watching. Before I knew it, my money bag was gone. They work in groups, and once they get what they want, they vanish into the crowd.”
Night-time robberies have also become a major concern. Some markets that lack proper security are easy targets for criminals who break into stalls and steal goods. The absence of streetlights in many market areas makes the situation worse, giving robbers an advantage.
The Police Response and Security Challenges
The Sierra Leone Police, responsible for maintaining order, acknowledge the growing insecurity in markets but also admit challenges in addressing the issue.
Superintendent Abdul Kamara, a senior officer in Lungi, pointed out that market security is not just a policing issue but requires community cooperation. “We have been deploying officers to markets with a high incidence of theft, but our resources are limited. Many traders hesitate to report crimes, and by the time we intervene, the criminals have already escaped,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for better surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and trained market security personnel. “If market authorities and traders can come together to install cameras and establish a well-trained market security team, it would help deter criminals and provide evidence when incidents occur,” he added.
However, many traders argue that police presence is not always effective. According to Kadiatu Conteh, a fishmonger, police officers sometimes focus more on collecting bribes than enforcing security. “We have reported many cases, but the police don’t take them seriously. Sometimes, they even ask for money before looking into a case,” she claimed.
Market Authorities and Local Government’s Role.
Market authorities and local councils play a crucial role in ensuring market security, but many believe they are not doing enough. In some areas, authorities have introduced market wardens to monitor activities, but their presence remains inadequate.
Councilor Ibrahim Jalloh, who oversees market development in Port Loko, admitted that security is a challenge but highlighted efforts to address it. “We are aware of the increasing theft in our markets, and we are working on solutions. We are encouraging traders to form vigilante groups, and we have started discussions on installing solar-powered streetlights in key market areas,” he said.
Jalloh also urged traders to take responsibility for their own security. “We cannot have a police officer at every stall. Traders need to be more vigilant and work together to identify and report criminals. If we have a strong traders’ association that collaborates with the police, we can make a big difference.”
The Economic Impact of Market Insecurity.
The economic consequences of market theft and robbery go beyond the immediate losses suffered by traders. When traders consistently lose money or goods, their businesses struggle, and in some cases, they are forced to shut down. This affects employment, as many market traders rely on assistants and laborers to run their stalls.
Additionally, when buyers feel unsafe, they may avoid markets altogether, opting for supermarkets or smaller shops instead. This shift can reduce the income of local traders who depend on daily sales to survive.
Potential Solutions to Improve Market Security.
Addressing market insecurity requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving traders, law enforcement, local government, and the community. Here are some key measures that could help:
Improved Lighting and Infrastructure: Markets need proper lighting, especially in areas prone to theft and robbery. Solar-powered streetlights could provide an affordable solution.
Stronger Market Security Teams: Market authorities should recruit and train security personnel to monitor and protect traders. These guards should work closely with the police to ensure quick response to incidents.
Community Policing and Vigilante Groups: Traders should collaborate with law enforcement to create neighborhood watch-style groups that report and prevent crime.
Use of Technology: CCTV cameras and alarm systems can deter criminals and provide valuable evidence in case of theft. Market authorities should explore partnerships with local businesses to fund such initiatives.
Stronger Legal Action Against Offenders: The justice system must ensure that arrested criminals are prosecuted and not released due to corruption or lack of evidence. This will serve as a deterrent to others.
The safety of our markets is crucial for economic stability and public confidence. While theft and robbery continue to pose challenges, there are practical solutions that can make markets safer for both traders and buyers. It requires collective effort from traders taking proactive security measures to authorities improving infrastructure and law enforcement stepping up its efforts. Until such measures are fully implemented, the question remains: how safe are our markets? And what more can be done to ensure that they remain secure for everyone?
NEWS – 5th Lead – Page 11
Parliament Tables 2024 Audit Service Regulations
The Audit Service Regulations 2024 was tabled in Parliament by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon Mathew Nyuma on Thursday, 13th March, 2025. The statutory instrument aims to enhance the governance and operational framework of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL).
In his remarks, whiles laying the statutory instrument, Hon Mathew Nyuma commended the ASSL for doing due diligence in putting together the document. He highlighted that, prior to its laying in parliament, he encouraged the ASSL to engage the Legislative, Public Accounts, Finance and Transparency Committees to discuss the regulations, a request that was done before the tabling.
Hon Daniel Koroma, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Parliament lauded both the Leader of Government Business and the ASSL for facilitating the pre-submission engagement. He reiterated his long-standing advocacy for similar discussions on regulations and statutory instruments before they are laid in Parliament. He urged the Leader of Government Business to ensure that this collaborative approach is applied consistently to all future regulatory submissions.
It could be noted that the ASSL organized a pre-submission engagement on the Audit Service Regulations, 2024 on Wednesday, 12th March, 2025 at the Committee Room No.1 where Members of Parliaments from the Public Accounts, Legislative, Finance and Transparency and Accountability Committees contributed to the document after the ASSL presented a summary of the key issues. The MPs vetted the document and the ASSL gave further insight into the regulations.
It is expected that the Audit Service Regulations, 2024 will be applicable into law after 21 days.