Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 9: With children’s examinations largely over and holidays beginning, police have advised families to remain cautious while leaving homes unattended during trips, to prevent them from becoming targets of theft.

Police stated that while travelling to native places or on tours, people often make common mistakes that inadvertently signal that their homes are vacant. Leaving houses locked for a week or ten days without proper precautions can provide clear clues to thieves that no one is at home, and such indications should be strictly avoided.

According to police, thieves may loiter around residential areas for a couple of days, observing the surroundings and even posing as delivery personnel, meter readers, or salesmen to gain access to house premises and assess the situation before planning theft. They may break open doors of locked houses or enter through rooftops and steal cash, gold, and other valuables. Hence, if homeowners fail to take precautions, they may return from holidays only to find their valuables stolen. Police cautioned that such incidents are not limited to cities alone and can occur in rural areas as well.

To enhance security, police suggested installing CCTV cameras and linking them to mobile phones, enabling homeowners to monitor their houses remotely. In case any suspicious person or activity is noticed, it becomes easier to inform the police, friends, or neighbours. The use of alarm systems can also further improve safety.

Police have also advised informing local police or beat constables before leaving home locked for several days, as it allows authorities to keep additional watch over such houses.

Further, it is important to ensure that newspapers, parcels, or other deliveries are collected daily, as accumulation over several days indicates that the house is unoccupied. Informing trusted neighbours is also essential. Keeping lights on at the front and back of the house can create an impression that someone is present or may return at any time, thereby deterring thieves. Police also cautioned against sharing travel plans or information about being away from home on social media, as it can act as a clue for those tracking such activities, including potential thieves.