Belagavi Police Commissioner Urges Public to Adopt Locked House Beat System Amid Gang Activity
In response to reports of the Pardi Gang's activity in Belagavi, City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase has strongly advised residents to utilize the police department's innovative Locked House Beat System whenever they plan to leave their homes unattended. This proactive measure aims to curb thefts and burglaries, particularly targeting locked houses during nighttime hours.
Pardi Gang's Modus Operandi and Police Response
Commissioner Borase, in an interview with TOI, revealed that the Pardi Gang, believed to originate from Kalaburgi, specializes in targeting locked residences. "According to our sources, members of the Pardi Gang are active in Belagavi. They mainly focus on locked houses. After committing theft, they often leave a bowl at the spot as a mark of identity, possibly due to a superstition," he explained. This distinctive practice has helped police identify the gang's involvement in various incidents.
To combat this threat, the Belagavi City Police introduced the Locked House Beat System approximately one and a half months ago. The initiative is designed to enhance surveillance of houses that remain locked when residents travel outside the city, thereby preventing crimes before they occur.
How the Locked House Beat System Works
The system allows citizens leaving town for short or extended periods to inform the police control room about their absence. Residents can share essential details such as their address, location PIN, and the duration of their travel via WhatsApp to the dedicated control room number 8277951146. This information enables police to prioritize monitoring and increase vigilance in specific residential areas.
Commissioner Borase highlighted the program's success, noting a positive public response. "So far, we received requests from over 150 homeowners informing us that they would be away and require security for their houses. Of these, 28 houses are currently still under monitoring as their owners are yet to return. Thanks to the initiative, no theft was reported in any of these houses so far," he stated proudly.
Proactive Policing and Future Implications
The Locked House Beat System emphasizes proactive policing by strengthening police visibility and vigilance. "The initiative focuses on proactive policing. The beat staff will be informed only for night duty to monitor such houses, ensuring focused surveillance while also preventing misuse of the shared information," Commissioner Borase elaborated. This targeted approach not only deters criminal activity but also optimizes police resources effectively.
As Belagavi continues to address security challenges, this system serves as a model for community-police collaboration. Residents are encouraged to adopt this measure to safeguard their properties and contribute to a safer urban environment.
