With the Covid-19 pandemic altering daily routines, the city has seen a rise in house break-ins. Burglaries in the city jumped 29.41% from 882 in 2022 to 1,142 in 2023, according to police data. This uptick has prompted law enforcement to focus on prevention and the use of technology to aid investigations.
Shifting Patterns
Police categorize break-ins as either HBT Day or HBT Night cases. However, burglars are now defying traditional patterns. An officer from the Whitefield division noted, ‘Previously, day burglars operated only during the day and night burglars at night. Now, we are seeing burglars switch their routines.’ This shift complicates investigations as established criminal profiles, stored in Modus Operandi Bureau (MOB) cards, often no longer apply.
The pandemic has also encouraged the use of masks and gloves, making it harder to identify criminals. Nevertheless, surveillance footage has helped apprehend offenders, such as in a recent case where a masked burglar’s face was captured on CCTV.
Police Response
To address this, Bengaluru police are focusing on prevention through the use of CCTVs, Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), and the community-driven ‘Naavu Neevu’ neighborhood watch scheme, launched in 2024. Police Commissioner B. Dayananda emphasized the importance of public awareness, urging residents to secure their homes and notify authorities of travel plans. Additionally, beat police monitor locked homes, enhancing security across the city.
Safety Tips
Avoid visible padlocks, notify police of travel, pause newspaper deliveries, keep lights on, and consider theft alarms for extra protection.
