As city holidays, break-ins rise

It's not just crime against women that's on the rise, there's a surge in the number of house break-ins across the city too, as Mumbaiites lock up their flats and go on extended vacations. Saurabh M Joshi reports.

It's not just crime against women that's on the rise, there's a surge in the number of house break-ins across the city too, as Mumbaiites lock up their flats and go on extended vacations.

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As many as 888 cases have been registered between January and April, of which 264 cases were registered in April.

During the same period last year, 639 cases were registered. That’s a rise of 249 cases.

The police said people should take adequate precautions while going on long holidays and avoid publicising their plans, as in the case of a recent burglary in Bhandup, where Rs 4.5 lakh worth of valuables were stolen after a 36-year-old computer programmer and his family put up a note on their door stating that they were out for a few days.

“The incident took place as the family had put up a note on the door for the milkman and postman, but it was an open invitation for thieves,” said an officer from Kanjurmarg police station, on condition of anonymity.

The police have appealed to citizens to avoid putting up such notes as it makes their flats more vulnerable.

People should also inform their neighbours that they are going away and ask them to keep a check.

“If you are going out for more than two days, don't keep any valuables or cash inside the house,” a police officer advised.

“Also, if you have a safety door, avoid putting a lock outside as it confirms that a house is empty. Instead, put a lock on the main door and only latch-lock the safety door,” the police officer added.