SWAT: Local residents in Amankot here have demanded of the police to take action against an alleged group of women involved in thefts from shops and homes.

They said the group comprises women dressed in shuttlecock burgas and reportedly accompanied by male accomplices. The suspects, believed to be from outside Swat, have been seen entering shops and homes, employing deceptive tactics to steal goods and target vulnerable individuals.

Abdullah, a shopkeeper in Amankot, recounted a recent incident at his store: `Two women entered my shop pretending to buy something. When I turned to get the items, they said it was not needed and left quickly. Upon checking, I found some items missing.

He added that when he pursued them and attempted to confront them, they attacked him with a knife. `With the help of other locals, I managed to recover some stolen goods, but the women escaped in a vehicle wait-ing nearby.

In another troubling incident, a 12-year-old girl named Maleeha shared her experience. `I was returning from a shop with my younger brother when a strange woman called us over and tried to offer sweets. She asked us to come with her, but we ran away.

Local residents claim the same group has also been active in Cheena Market, the region`s largest women`s shopping area.

`They steal money from female customers under the guise of shopping,` said Amjad Ali, a community member.

The residents have appealed to the Swat police to take urgent action. `The authorities must closely monitor suspicious individuals and arrest those involved before any serious harm is done,` urged the residents.

They have called for increased patrolling in markets and residential areas to ensure public safety, especially for women and children. Correspondent