BENGALURU, 7 APRIL

With the summer holidays approaching and families preparing to leave the city for vacations, City Police Commissioner B Dayananda has urged people to prioritise home safety before heading out.

The advisory follows a spike in burglaries across Bengaluru.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Dayananda stressed the importance of simple preventive measures. "Before going on a trip, citizens are alerted to ensure their home is securely locked. Avoid sharing travel plans online, share details only with trusted people," he said.

The commissioner also urged residents to inform the local police station or coordinate with neighbourhood watch groups.

SAFETY TIPS

1. Secure all doors and windows. Avoid hiding spare keys under doormats or in flower pots.

2. If your home has CCTV cameras, confirm that they are working and cover critical areas.

3. Avoid posting travel dates or plans on social media.

4. Replace old locks with modern, tamper-proof ones.

5. Do not lock the main gate as an open gate may suggest someone is at home and discourage thieves.

6. Inform newspaper and milk vendors of your absence to prevent piles from accumulating outside.

7. Leave a light on inside the house to create the impression that someone is present.

8. Store jewellery and other valuable items in bank lockers instead of leaving them at home.

9. Consider installing motion sensors, smart locks or alarm systems to prevent break-ins.