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Puttur, Karnataka: In a proactive move to curb the rising incidents of house burglaries across Karnataka, the Puttur Police Sub-Division has launched an innovative security initiative called the Locked House Beat System (LHBS). The programme aims to safeguard homes that are temporarily left vacant when families travel for vacations, weddings, pilgrimages, or other personal commitments.
According to police officials, burglars often target locked houses, particularly in urban and rural areas where residents are away for several days. Recognising this growing concern, the police department has introduced a mechanism that allows citizens to inform authorities before leaving their homes unattended.
Under the initiative, residents can share details such as their house address, location, recent photograph, and the duration for which the property will remain locked with the police control room. The information is then forwarded to the jurisdictional police station, enabling beat officers and night patrol teams to keep a close watch on the property.
Explaining the initiative, Puttur Sub-Divisional Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Pramod Kumar said that police personnel on beat duty and night patrol will conduct periodic visits to registered houses to ensure their safety and security.
“Puttur city currently has two police beat systems in place, apart from dedicated night-round officers and supervisory officials. When residents inform us about locked houses, our teams will conduct multiple inspections during patrol hours to deter potential criminal activity,” he said.
Police officials have also cautioned citizens against sharing travel plans, vacation updates, or family functions on social media platforms while away from home. Such posts may inadvertently alert criminals that a house is unoccupied.
Authorities further advised residents to avoid disclosing the duration of their absence to unknown individuals and to make arrangements for newspapers, milk deliveries, and other regular services. Accumulated newspapers or unattended deliveries outside a residence can indicate that no one is present at the property, making it vulnerable to theft.
The police department has urged the public not to share house-related information with unofficial or unknown phone numbers and to remain vigilant while posting personal updates online.
For residents of Dakshina Kannada district, information regarding locked houses can be shared with the Police Control Room by calling 0824-2440284. Police officials have encouraged citizens to make use of the public-friendly initiative to enhance home security and support crime prevention efforts.
The Locked House Beat System is expected to strengthen community policing efforts and provide peace of mind to families travelling away from home.
What is the Locked House Beat System (LHBS)?
The Locked House Beat System is a police initiative that monitors homes left vacant for a few days due to travel, family functions, or pilgrimages.
How does the LHBS work?
Residents share their house details, location, photo, and travel duration with the police control room. Local police then conduct regular security checks during beat patrols.
Who can avail this service?
Residents of Dakshina Kannada district, including Puttur and surrounding areas, can use the service.
What is the police contact number for the service?
Citizens can contact the Dakshina Kannada Police Control Room at 0824-2440284.
Why should people avoid posting travel plans on social media?
Publicly sharing travel plans can alert criminals that a house is vacant, increasing the risk of burglary.