Alert, says Hyderabad police as people keep homes locked and go on vacation
Hyderabad: With people from near and far heading to their native places to celebrate Sankranti this weekend, city police officials warned the public about chances of burglaries in their locked homes and called for extra care and precautions.
Police said most of the robbery cases in the city occurred when people left for long holidays. “If you inform the local police station about houses remaining closed, the beat cop in the area would keep an eye on them,” the police said.
“We advise the public to opt for a central locking system which will not show a lock on the door when family is away. The most common modus operandi of a burglar is to look around for houses with locks. Those who go on holidays can have a word with their neighbours or friends to keep an eye on the property. It is not safe to leave valuables at an easily accessible place at home while travelling. One may either carry them or safe-keep at the house,” said the police giving a series of instructions.
Unattended newspapers, mails and milk packets getting piled up in front of a house give a hint about the closed nature of the home. “It is safe to hold back delivery of your mails and newspapers until you return,” the police said.
Cops also urged the public not to share their vacation plans on social media to avoid extra attention. “All doors, windows, terrace doors, kitchen doors should be properly locked. Check the quality of the latches. Removing ladders and tools from the house compound will add to the security. Installation of home monitoring systems and security alarms to detect an intrusion is also advised,” added the police.
Government and private employees including workers of IT companies have taken leave or extended their holidays to spend more time with their families back home during the long weekend. The police here and in Cyberabad and Rachakonda commissionerates have increased their patrolling. The public can call dial 100 and report any suspicious movement in their colonies.