Mangaluru: In a proactive step aimed at preventing burglaries and thefts in unattended homes, the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate has introduced the ‘Locked House Beat System’ (LHBS) across its jurisdiction. The initiative, launched as part of a community policing strategy, is intended to provide enhanced security surveillance for houses that remain locked while residents are away.
The system has already been implemented successfully in several other parts of Karnataka and is now being extended to Mangaluru to strengthen crime prevention measures and improve coordination between citizens and the police department.
Initiative targets burglary prevention
According to police officials, the LHBS has been designed specifically to prevent thefts and break-ins at vacant residential houses during periods when owners travel outside the city for vacations, family functions, business trips or other engagements.
Under the scheme, residents can voluntarily inform the police in advance if their homes will remain unattended for a certain period. Once the information is received, police personnel will increase surveillance and conduct regular beat checks around the registered property.
Officials stated that the initiative aims to reassure residents by ensuring continuous monitoring of their homes until they return.
The police department clarified that the service is applicable only to independent residential houses and individual homes. Flats located within apartment complexes and commercial establishments are not covered under the current system.
Increased patrolling in identified areas
As part of the Locked House Beat System, police teams will intensify patrols in neighbourhoods where registered locked houses are located. Special attention will be given during night hours, when the risk of burglaries is generally higher.
Police personnel assigned to beat duty will maintain strict vigilance in the vicinity and monitor suspicious activity, unknown individuals loitering around properties, and unusual movements in residential areas.
Senior officers said the initiative would also help improve the effectiveness of night patrolling by enabling personnel to focus on vulnerable locations identified in advance.
The department believes that visible police presence and regular monitoring will act as a strong deterrent against theft attempts and anti-social activities targeting vacant homes.
Focus on community policing
Police officials described the LHBS as a major community policing initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies.
The primary objectives of the scheme include preventing thefts and burglaries in locked houses, making night patrols more targeted and efficient, and encouraging public participation in maintaining neighbourhood safety.
Authorities stated that public cooperation plays a crucial role in preventing property-related crimes, especially during holiday seasons and festive periods when many families travel outside the city.
By involving citizens directly in the safety process, the police hope to build greater trust and improve communication between residents and law enforcement personnel.
Residents can register through WhatsApp
To make the process simple and accessible, the police department has enabled residents to register for the service through a dedicated WhatsApp number operated by the police control room.
Residents planning to leave their houses vacant for a few days are required to send specific details through WhatsApp before their departure. The information must include the homeowner’s name, full residential address, Google Maps location of the house, exact dates during which the house will remain locked, and a selfie of the homeowner taken in front of the residence.
The details can be submitted to the police control room WhatsApp number 9480802321.
Officials said the collected information would remain confidential and be used solely for security monitoring purposes.
Citizens welcome the move
The initiative has been welcomed by several residents who view it as an important step towards improving residential security in the city.
With incidents of house thefts occasionally reported during vacation periods, many citizens believe the system could significantly reduce opportunities for burglars by ensuring regular police presence near locked properties.
Police officials have urged residents to make use of the facility responsibly and provide accurate details while registering under the scheme.
Authorities also assured the public that additional measures and technological support may be incorporated into the system in the future based on public response and operational requirements.
The introduction of the Locked House Beat System marks another effort by the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate to strengthen preventive policing and improve public safety through active community participation.