BENGALURU, 1 FEB

With an increasing number of house break-in thefts (HBT) in Bengaluru, the South Division Police have introduced a security measure to protect locked homes from burglars. The local resident planning to stay away from their homes for a few days can now register their details with the police for surveillance.

They can call the Police Control Room at 080-22943111 or mobile number 9480801500 and provide their address, contact details and a picture of their residence. This information will be forwarded to the relevant police station, which will conduct periodic checks under the Locked House Checking System.

Police said 879 HBT cases were reported in the city in 2023, whereas 702 were reported in 2022. In 2021, the police registered 654 such cases.

A resident of Adugodi, Azeezullah said, "This was much needed. Recently a group of thieves burgled several house in our locality. Some of them were caught after the police identified them from CCTV footage," he said.

At least 20 houses were burgled within Avalahalli police limits recently. The CCTV showed burglars wearing masks and dark clothing breaking and entering locked houses in the locality.

Manjunath, an advocate, said he lost valuables including jewellery and cash worth Rs 3.5 lakh. "The matter is under investigation. I have no idea how long it will take," he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Division, Lokesh B Jagalasar, said, "This measure is part of our continuous efforts to enhance security in residential areas and prevent break-ins when citizens area away from their homes.”