04 April,2011 06:43 AM IST | | A Correspondent
Houses locked for a long time present the Ideal opportunity for thieves to break in and leave them bereft of valuables
With mercury levels soaring in the city, it's time to embark on that family getaway to beat the heat.
But summer vacations, seen as the ideal break to have fun, bond with family and have a memorable time, are also known for a spurt in house-related crimes.
There is a significant increase in theft, robberies and break-ins, which is why cops in the city are already gearing up to keep an eye on your homes while you are away.
Over the years, they have seen a trend wherein gangs of thieves strike homes that have been locked for a few days and make off with cash, jewellery and electronic goods.
"Anti-social elements take advantage of the fact that several homes are locked for a long period of time," said Amitabh Gupta, additional commissioner of police, West Region.
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"We are geared up and patrolling will be intensified both during the day and night," he added.
Officials say that robbers and thieves often seek inside information from security guards and domestic helps. "Mostu00a0 thefts and break-ins are committed with the help of such inside information," said a senior police official.
So, even as the cops go about doing their duty, MiD DAY tells you what you can do to avoid returning to a home empty of valuables when you return from your vacation.
To-Do List
1. ENSURE ALL LOCKS on the doors and windows are of good quality: Buy locks which have ISO certification so that they are not easy to break. Check all windows before leaving
2. Do not leave your keys hidden somewhere outside your home: Many people do this and it may be okay in the short-term, but do no leave the keys outside while going on vacation
3. Ask a neighbor to watch the house while you are away: It is advisable to request a neighbour to keep a regular check on your main door and window while you are away. Ask them to inform the police if they see something amiss
4. Leave your contact details with a neighboUr: You should be a phone call away for the neighbour even while on vacation so that he can inform you immediately in case of an emergency
5. Do not announce your absence on answering machines: By doing so, you are only making certain that every caller knows your house is empty, making it more vulnerable to anti-social elementsu00a0u00a0
6. Never tell too many people that you are going on vacation: In public places, thieves or their sources may be in earshot without you knowing it
7. Provide details and a photo of your domestic help to the local police station: In most cases, domestic helps are the prime suspects of having leaked information about your whereabouts. Since they are also aware of the layout of your house, they may be willing to give away the location of your valuables for a share of the booty. Furnishing their details will ensure that cops can trace them easily should any unfortunate incident occur.
Measures taken by the police:
The police have activated their informer network to getu00a0 information about gangs active in various areas of the city
Patrolling will be intensified in all areas, during the day and night
Beat marshalls have been asked to keep on eye on every street corner, especially during the night
Police teams have been asked to advise the security guards of residential buildingsu00a0 to stay alert
Policemen on night patrol have been ordered to take strict action on security guards taking naps while on duty
