By Gibao Brima

Residents in New York community, Yams Farm, eastern suburb of Freetown, Western Rural District have once again been gripped with fear due to the resurgence of criminal gangs in this local community.

It could be recalled that few months ago residents in that area came under several threat from the nefarious activities of these criminals, but the police together with the efforts of sober minded youths were able to prevent them from unleashing their diabolic activities. But these coordinated efforts seem to have suffered a dent as these heartless criminals are reported to have resurfaced again creating uneasiness for the innocent locals.

These criminals are said to have mapped out new strategy of attacking people returning home late in the night after their daily activities, snatching their phones and other valuables with women mostly falling preys. In addition, they also steal lives stocks such fowls, sheep and goats among others. Residents are no longer to leave even their laundries outside their residents for fear of these thieves less to talk of leaving their doors open at night which is considered as high risk.

Furthermore criminals have also resulted to removing residents’ security bulbs in a bid to disguise them while carrying out their night activities.

Talking to this reporter, the terrified residents called on the government more especially the police to come to their aid to salvage the ugly situation.

They further said these criminal gangs mostly hang along the seaside area at New York holding out in unfinished buildings and other hideouts where they spring out their operations during nightfall.