Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur
Puttur, May 20: Waking up to the recent spike in burglaries and serial thefts within the Uppinangady police station limits, the police department has initiated the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations across the town.
A total of six high-tech cameras have been installed at two key locations—the bus stand circle and Gundya at the Dakshina Kannada district border—aiming to curb thefts and other illegal activities.
The move comes in the wake of a recent burglary at the residence of a police head constable in Padmunja, followed by break-ins at four different locations in Uppinangady town on the same night. Furthermore, the cameras will help manage the traffic chaos and congestion that have plagued the town over the past 15 days, alongside monitoring other crimes. This initiative has been planned and executed by the Dakshina Kannada district police.
Four cameras have been installed at the main circle in the heart of Uppinangady, while two have been set up at Gundya junction in Shiradi village. This project is slated for implementation across the district, with the police department drafting an action plan to install similar camera networks in taluk centers and densely populated towns.
According to sub-inspector Sutesh, these highly advanced cameras can capture clear images of passing individuals along with vehicle registration numbers. The feeds will be monitored directly by the local police station and the district police control room, making it highly effective in tracking traffic rule violators and solving crimes.
Historically, about ten years ago, when the town faced a similar wave of continuous thefts, local merchants and businessmen, led by entrepreneur Karunakar Suvarna, crowdfunded the installation of 10 CCTV cameras. These were placed at the main circle, bypass road, temple premises, old bus stand, and Gandhi Park. While they functioned effectively for about six years and helped control the crime rate, they eventually became defunct due to a lack of maintenance.
The police department had previously faced criticism for failing to maintain the equipment donated by the public. However, with the department now fulfilling this crucial demand through its own initiative, citizens are hopeful that the new system will be well-maintained and succeed in bringing the crime rate under control.