Towards checking burglaries and ensure more secure environs in parts of the old city, the south zone police has decided to introduce safe colony concept in few areas.
As part of the concept, the police has initially selected five colonies and plan to block all entry and exit points in these areas by placing barricades between 10 p.m and 6 a.m every day.
“Only two exit and entry points will be kept open and they will be manned by security guards. It will help in checking the movement of criminals and at the same time prevent outsiders from entering the colony during night and creating nuisance,” DCP (South) V. Satyanarayana said. '
The concept is being introduced at Chandulal Baradari colony in Kamatipura, Sri Ramnagar in Chatrinaka, Chandulal Bela and Mekala Banda in Shahalibanda and Chandriah huts in Madannapet.
“The role of police is minimal and the colony welfare associations will take the responsibility of security. Closed circuit cameras will also be installed at the entry and exit points,” the official said.
All the residents will be issued identity cards and they have to produce it while entering the colony during restricted hours. The security guards will note down the details of the person and also his vehicle number in a register. The police will also conduct regular patrolling and monitor the movement of local anti-social elements too.
Taking security aspects into consideration the police will assist the local colony welfare associations in choosing the routes that are to be kept open in the night.
“Burglars look for a risk free escape route . If there are only one or two manned entry points then it is difficult for them to sneak out,” the police explain.
Decline in number
of theft cases
Already the west zone police central zone police have started the concept on an experimental basis in a few colonies and plans are afoot to expand it across the city. “There is a decline in numbers of burglaries and other property offences. Cases of sexual harassment of women have also comedown in areas where the concept is already in practice,” Mr. Satyanarayana pointed out.
