Thieves on the prowl, ensure your home is secure before stepping out

Planning a long trip away from home close to the New Year’s Eve? Beware.

Planning a long trip away from home close to the New Year’s Eve? Beware.

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The number of house break-ins from January to September this year has witnessed a rise, compared to last year. While 2,327 cases were registered from January to September 2014, 2,137 were reported in the corresponding period last year.

According to police sources, in most cases, the accused are history-sheeters staying on the outskirts of the city, which makes it difficult to trace them. Moreover, the spike is not just in cases of thefts during the day, but also at night.

Experts attribute the rise to stopping the practice of traditional preventive action, which was taken by the police against suspicious people under the provisions of the criminal procedure code (CrPC).

Among the 2,327 cases registered in the city, west region, which spans from Bandra to Oshiwara, has registered the highest (683) number of break-ins. Officials said the number of cases is highest in the stretch because the area is home to the elite and rich, including Bollywood celebrities.

The central region – which covers areas from Byculla to Nagpada and Mulund – too has witnessed a rise at 502 cases this year.

Taking note of the surge, the crime branch and its property cell have been asked to look into the cases. “We are conducting a study by mapping the spots where the crimes take place. We also plan to conduct meetings with housing societies to ask them to take the required steps such as installing safety alarms, CCTV cameras and deploying security guards,” said Dhananjay Kulkarni, spokesperson of Mumbai police.