Telangana: Anti-burglary patrols on ahead of Sankranti

Hyderabad: With Sankranti and the festive weekend approaching police has increased surveillance on the city's outskirts as many people usually go to their hometowns during this time. 

The Rachakonda and Cyberabad police have alerted citizens to the danger of house break-ins while they are away. Last year, around 250 thefts were reported from the undivided Cyberabad commissionerate area. Around 50 of them were house-breaking cases. 

The Cyberabad police held meetings with residents' associations and has given them important contact numbers in case of emergencies. 

"We have increased beat patrolling, especially at night, and are keeping tabs on habitual criminals and the movement of inter-state gangs in these areas," said a police officer.

The Rachakonda police is distributing leaflets about precautions residents have to take. Announcements are also being made from police vehicles.

Residents who are going out of station have been told to send a postcard to the nearest police station with their home address and the dates of their departure and return. An audio clip made by the police with instructions on leaving the house locked is being circulated on WhatsApp groups in colonies, institutions and offices. 

Senior police officials have listed the areas that are vulnerable. They are Kukatpally, KPHB, Miyapur, Cha-nda Nagar, Nizampet, Bachupally, Telecom Colony, AP Secretariat in Manikonda in Cybe-rabad and Madhapur, Gachibowli in the IT corridor, Vanasthali-puram, NGOs Colony, Hayath Nagar, LB Nagar, Nagole, Malkaj-giri and AS Rao Nagar under Rachakonda Commissionerate. 

“In addition to gaining entry by breaking locks, criminals are resorting to new ways like diverting attention. They come claiming to be delivery men or ask for addresses at houses occupied by lone individuals, and once the door is opened, they barge in and grab valuables,” an officer said.