Sat 08 Jan 2022, 19:00:12

It is that time of the year when several families in the city lock their houses and leave for short vacations, And that is exactly the time burglars have been waiting for.

The Cyberabad police have cautioned citizens heading for their native places to celebrate Sankranti festival to take up safety measures to prevent burglaries.

Cyberabad Police Commissioner M Stephen Raveendra said with schools being closed for the festival, several families were planning to go out of station. There was a high possibility of local and interstate burglary gangs using this opportunity.

“In view of the festival, we have taken measures to prevent offences and increased visible policing in residential areas during the night. We request citizens to share information about suspicious persons in colonies,” Raveendra said, also asking citizens to install surveillance cameras on their premises.

“Those going on a long vacation, please inform the local police station. This will help in increasing patrolling in the area,” he said.

It is also learnt that unlike earlier when only professional burglary gangs would strike, now youngsters, many who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, have started turning to burglary. Usually, gangs tend to stay put on the city outskirts and target locked houses, officials said

adding that it would be a safe step to keep valuables in the bank locker or any other safer place.

“We are monitoring the activities of known offenders and those released from the prison recently. We are also conducting cordon and search operation to nab suspects,” a senior official from the Crime Branch said.

Advisory:

*Inform neighbours to keep an eye on the house and alert you in case of anything suspicious.

*Do not keep valuables in scooter dickey or car.

*Park vehicles in the house premises not on the road.

*Carry keys of almirah where valuables are kept. Do not leave them at home.

*Lock the door and cover it with a curtain.

* Those going to far off places, keep a light on in any one room

* If it is a long vacation, ask paper delivery man and milk vendor not to come.

*Ask domestic help to sweep the premises and keep it clean daily.

*Do not share information about valuables in the house with anyone.

*Save contact numbers of the local police station and keep in touch with them.

Any suspicious movements or persons can be reported on Dial 100 facility or Cyberabad WhatsApp No- 9490617444.