The number of electronic eyes watching you, even in small lanes, has increased. According to CCTV dealers, many more residential associations in the city have started installing CCTV cameras.
Most of the associations are installing the devices to reduce incidents of burglary and to watch out for suspicious movement in the locality. There have been instances of the cameras helping to nab burglars.
The Electronic Security Association of India (ESAI), a non-profit National Organization of Security Systems Industry, says that there is a 30 percent increase in the number of CCTV cameras purchased by residential associations.
“This is due to an increased awareness about electronic security. Many feel the presence of such cameras will act as a deterrent,” said T. Sridhar Kumar, general secretary of the association.
One such body is the Parthasarathy Nagar Kumaran Kudil Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association in Thoraipakkam. The four cameras installed in the locality helped in nabbing a laptop thief recently, residents said.
“He was a software professional and no one initially suspected him. Using the CCTV footage, the police was able to identify and arrest him,” said S. Saminathan, the general secretary of the association.
Another group that reaped the benefits of installing the devices is the Anjugam Nagar resident welfare association. “Earlier, chain snatching was common in our locality. After fixing CCTV cameras, not even a single incident has been reported. It served as a deterrent,” G. Sundar, secretary of the association said.
Senior police officers said that they are willing to provide expertise in the placement of cameras. “There are certain points in a lane where the cameras have to be placed. The residents can approach the nearest police station for guidance,” a senior police officer said.
He said the police and community have to work together to fight crime. “This will aid in better crime fighting,” the officer added.
