Udupi: In an effort to strengthen the safety and security of locked houses, the Udupi district police have introduced a new initiative titled the “Locked House Beat System” (LHBS) aimed at preventing thefts and ensuring better monitoring of unattended homes.
Under the programme, police personnel will keep special watch on houses that remain locked when residents travel for work, vacations or personal reasons. Officials said beat staff from the respective police station limits will regularly visit such houses during both daytime and nighttime hours to ensure proper security arrangements.
The initiative has been launched as part of preventive policing measures to address concerns related to house burglaries and thefts during the absence of residents.
Police authorities said the system is designed to provide reassurance to residents who leave their homes locked for extended periods while travelling outside the district or state.
Residents asked to inform police before travelling
As part of the programme, residents planning to leave their homes unattended have been requested to inform the Udupi District Control Room in advance.
Police said residents can contact the dedicated helpline number 0820-2526709 and provide details regarding their travel plans.
In addition to the phone call, residents are also required to send information through the WhatsApp number provided by the control room.
The details to be shared include the date and time of departure, expected date and time of return, the exact residential address and a selfie photograph taken in front of the house.
Officials said these details will help the police verify the identity of the residents and accurately identify the premises that require monitoring.
Beat staff to monitor locked houses
According to the police department, once the information is received, the district control room will forward the details to the concerned police station under whose jurisdiction the house falls.
The respective station will then assign beat police personnel to monitor the house regularly until the return date and time mentioned by the resident.
Police said beat staff will conduct periodic checks during both day and night hours to ensure there are no suspicious activities near the locked premises.
Officials believe the system will not only help prevent thefts but also improve coordination between residents and local police personnel.
The initiative is expected to enhance public confidence in policing services while promoting community participation in crime prevention efforts.
Facility available only for individual houses
The police department clarified that the Locked House Beat System facility is currently available only for independent houses and not for apartments or multi-storey residential complexes.
Officials stated that independent houses are generally more vulnerable to thefts when left locked for long durations, especially in isolated or less crowded areas.
Police have also urged residents to remain cautious while sharing personal details related to their travel plans and house information.
Authorities specifically warned the public not to share such sensitive information with unknown or unofficial phone numbers claiming to represent the police department.
Only the official control room number and authorised WhatsApp contact should be used for registration under the programme, officials said.
Residents and community members have welcomed the initiative, noting that increased police monitoring could act as a deterrent against burglars and anti-social elements.
The Udupi district police expressed confidence that the programme would strengthen public safety and reduce incidents of house break-ins across the district through proactive policing and better community cooperation.