How to keep your house safe from burglars: Cyberabad police issues advisory for people travelling for Sankranti

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

Hyderabad: It is that festive time of the year when several families in the city lock their homes and head back to their native places or leave for short vacations. And this exactly is the time that the burglars wait 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 Avinash Mohanty said with several families planning to go out of station, there was a high possibility of local and interstate burglary gangs seeking to use the 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,” Mohanty 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.

Usually, gangs tend to stay put on the city outskirts and target locked houses, the police 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 a cordon and search operation to nab suspects,” a senior official said.

Police advisory for those travelling out:

• Inform neighbors to keep an eye on the house and alert you in case of anything suspicious.
• Inform the local police station about your departure and arrival plans if you need to lock your house.
• Install central locking system.
• Arrange security alarm system with motion sensors for your house.
• Hire trusted security guards.
• Avoid leaving garbage, newspapers, milk packets outside the house.
• Cover locked doors with curtains.
• Avoid leaving keys at accessible places.
• Do not disclose travel plans to anyone except trusted individuals.
• Do not keep valuables in scooter dickeys or car boots.
• Park vehicles inside the house premises, not on the road.
• Carry keys of almirah where valuables are kept. Do not leave them at home.
• Those going far off places, keep the light on in any one of the rooms.
• If it is a long vacation, inform the 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.