House Robberies

Of late there are many news items in newspapers and television channels about the spate of robberies at homes. These are widely reported to have occurred when the inmates are away on a short trip or on the lonely women at home. It is surprising that these things continue to happen despite many discussions and suggestions by Police on the simple precautions to avoid these. In fact, the Police also visited some of the apartment complexes in Chennai , at the request of the Apartment Owners Association and explained to them on the preventive measures to be taken and gave some Dos and Don'ts. On the discussions that happen within the Association, it is disheartening to note that though people start with lofty ideas of round the clock security, electronic surveillance... the meetings  invariably end inconclusively and the ideas get into the cold storage.  It is also amazing to note as to how naive people could be on the need for such precautions.

About the robberies that happen when inmates are away, people always convince themselves that they will be away only for few days and nothing will happen in that time. Little do they realize that it takes only few hours to carry out a robbery.

On the lonely women at home, invariably, people at independent houses believe that they are living in that area  for years and that there is no question of theft or fear ! At the flats, the inmates keep the doors wide open and watch TV and also go inside the rooms at times, leaving the doors ajar. They also assume that the security at the entrance will filter the visitors little knowing that he will be happily sleeping after doing a night shift at a different apartment complex.

So, how can we take some preventive steps. Here are my tips:

• Keep all the Gold and silver items in a Bank locker, from where you can always take them during festivals. Somewhere, I have read that the cost of maintaining the gold and silver are high and so they had advised against investment in them. For the cost of jewellery , the annual rent for a Bank safe deposit locker is negligible. 

• When you are planning for a travel , short or long term, please keep your neighbors informed about it, giving your emergency contact details. This could also help at times of Gas leakage, Water pipe leakage, fire etc., 

• If in independent house, make sure that you inform the local police station with the above details. Also, make sure that some security guard is employed to be at the house at least during nights. 

• While you are away, cancel the milk supply and newspapers as papers strewn around are definite giveaways. One of the caught thieves when enquired, revealed that they used to go around the area in day time and look for such tell tale signs including the absence of Kolams , prevalent in many parts of India !
• Speak to the co-residents and arrange to install CCTV cameras in apartment complex, which have now become very affordable.
• Every residence must be fitted with an extra outer door , with provisions to receive posts and milk packets, so that people at home need not open the door at all.
• Request the Gas suppliers to come during those hours of the day, when you have more support at home.
• Never keep the door open and watch TV. Outer doors will be immense help to those who would like to have some natural breeze.
• Never invite unknown visitors, while you are alone at home. Particularly, be alert with decently attired sales people, looking for some enquiries from book selling to builders.
• Never encourage sales personnel between 9 AM and 6 PM and instruct  the security at the gate accordingly.
• Be careful about setting "Answering machines ON", as this could also be a giveaway.
• Also, insure your electronic goods and furniture with a General Insurance policy. Nowadays, the insurance also includes "Chain snatching". Please discuss with your insurance agent elaborately before taking a policy

In my opinion, the bottom line is alertness and anticipation.  Bank lockers and additional gate - these alone could avoid majority of losses.