Illustration by Satheesh Vellinezhi
A spike in house burglaries has prompted police stations across the State to step up vigil with a revamped night-patrol plan and enhanced surveillance measures. As a preventive measure, homeowners have been urged to use the Locked House Information option on the Kerala Police POL-APP, which allows users to register vacant homes for continuous surveillance.
District Police Chief (Kozhikode City) A.P. Shoukathali says special squads and plainclothes personnel will be deployed across the three police subdivisions in the city to coordinate night patrols and aerial surveillance during the Onam season, following a State-level directive. A meeting has already been held with senior police officers to discuss arrangements within each police station’s jurisdiction, he adds.
Assistant Commissioner of Police T. Ashraf says citizens can assist the police by providing details of locked houses through POL-APP in advance. Police officers have been instructed to treat such requests seriously.
According to a senior police officer with the Information and Communication Technology Wing, many people remain unaware of the free app-based service, though it has helped more than 30,000 people secure their houses across the State. Requests should be submitted at least 48 hours before departure and can be placed up to seven days in advance.
A sub-inspector with the Kerala Police Hi-Tech Cell says many residents who install surveillance cameras fail to maintain them properly. Low-megapixel cameras, easily detachable Internet connections and DVR units kept in insecure locations may not deliver the desired results. Cameras equipped with motion-activated sirens, flashing lights, instant mobile alerts and AI-based human detection are yet to be widely explored, he says.
Meanwhile, functionaries of the Residents’ Apex Council in Kozhikode say many people have begun following police safety tips. Residents are now more careful about avoiding social media posts about long journeys and leaving signs of absence, such as newspapers piling up or lights being left switched on continuously. Many have also installed motion-sensor lights, one of the cheapest options for deterring intruders.
The theft of nearly 30 sovereigns of gold ornaments from the house of a local jeweller at Koyilandy on August 15 is among the latest incidents in which burglars targeted locked houses. The owner was reportedly staying at another house while emergency maintenance work was being carried out. Last week, burglars also broke into a house at Vadakara and stole nearly 25 sovereigns of gold and ₹30,000 while the family was away on a tour in Munnar.
Police officers in Thiruvambady say gold ornaments are not the only valuables targeted by burglars. In a recent incident, a non-resident Keralite reported the theft of a costly camera worth ₹1.5 lakh and nearly three sovereigns of gold. Police have also reported vehicle thefts from several other locked houses.
Ernakulam police step up vigil
The Ernakulam police have urged people to use the app to ensure the safety of their property when they leave their homes. “Requests submitted through the app will be forwarded to the station house officers concerned, who will, in turn, arrange surveillance in the respective areas. Of late, people have started using the option, though many are still unaware of the service,” a senior Kochi City police officer said. The officer said additional patrolling would be carried out in residential areas during the holidays.
Siby Tom, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Ernakulam Central), meanwhile, said the police would coordinate with residents’ associations to ensure the safety of vacant houses. “Office-bearers of the associations have been sensitised to their role in ensuring the safety of locked houses. Those leaving their homes for vacations should inform the residents’ associations concerned so that they can pass the information on to the police. Residents are also encouraged to inform the police station concerned directly or through POL-APP,” the officer said.
(With inputs from G. Ragesh)
Published – August 18, 2026 07:00 am IST
