In a proactive move to curb property crimes, the KR Pura police in Bengaluru launched a targeted awareness campaign across numerous paying guest (PG) accommodations in its jurisdiction. The drive, part of the city-wide crime prevention month observed in December, focused on educating residents, primarily young professionals, on securing their laptops, mobile phones, and other valuables from theft.
Door-to-Door Safety Lessons for PG Residents
Police teams visited approximately 100 PG facilities, interacting directly with inmates, most of whom are private-sector employees living in shared rooms. The initiative followed directives from Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, mandating local police stations to conduct programs addressing the most frequently reported crimes in their areas. For KR Pura, theft from PGs tops that list.
During the door-to-door campaign, officers highlighted common behavioural lapses that often lead to thefts. A recurring issue identified was residents leaving doors unlocked, assuming a roommate is inside, especially due to mismatched work shifts. Thieves exploit this casualness to enter rooms and steal items easily.
Security Gaps and Practical Solutions Highlighted
The police assessment revealed significant security gaps in many PG setups. Most PGs do not employ professional security guards and are managed solely by owners or family members. While a few have adopted biometric entry systems, many rely only on basic gates with limited safeguards.
"We advised inmates to keep doors locked at all times and avoid leaving laptops or mobile phones unattended. PG owners were also asked to consider installing biometric locks for enhanced security," explained a senior police officer. Acknowledging the financial constraints owners face in hiring guards, police suggested a community-based solution: inmates could pool money to engage a guard through the owner.
Beyond Theft: A Holistic Awareness Campaign
The police outreach extended beyond physical theft prevention. Officers also educated residents on the importance of installing device-tracking applications on their gadgets. The interaction covered other critical issues like cybercrime and drug abuse.
Residents were urged to download the KSP (Karnataka State Police) app and save essential helpline numbers, including the universal emergency number 112, the cybercrime helpline 1930, and the narcotics complaint number 1938.
This focused drive for PG residents was part of a broader series of awareness programmes. The KR Pura police also conducted similar sessions for bakery and pan shop owners and held talks in government schools, aiming to foster a community-wide culture of safety and vigilance.
