LHMS: Andhra police form special teams, use technology to ensure security during Sankranthi

Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh police have launched the Locked House Monitoring System (LHMS) to keep rowdy-sheeters at bay and ensure peaceful Sankranthi.

"We urge every people, who are away, to install CCTV in their houses using Locked House Monitoring System (LHMS). This will help us in keeping surveillance of their house", said Deputy inspector general (DIG-technical services) G Pala Raju.

Under LHMS, if any unknown person enters the house, the control room will immediately receive an alarm. The control center would immediately inform the nearest police station.

Speaking to News Meter Pala Raju, sad the AP police have received 3151 requests to have LHMS during the Sankranti festival, especially from town areas.

Compared to the last three years, this year's requests are the highest. "Previously it was not more than 500. On average, there have been 90-100 house breaks during the festival time in the last four years. This year, we have decided to reduce the crime rate with technical support", he said.

A total of 21 offenders involved in 130 cases were caught and property worth Rs 1.1 crore was recovered from 2017-2021 using LHMS. In January 2022, the police caught two offenders in Tirupati and Vijayawada

Andhra Pradesh police are also identifying and mapping vulnerable spots where there are more chances for crime during the festival season. Special teams have been formed to ensure security. Over 540 policemen are part of these special teams.

Police teams will be making dynamic beats and focus on locked houses in every district. "We will even increase security at ATMs. Our teams will be patrolling round the clock", said Pala Raju.

Data reveals that there are around 2,07,7000 property offenders in the state. Police teams will be taking fingerprints of any suspected person found wandering during the night.

The data will be sent to every police station which will be helpful for an investigation post-vacation. Also, the police are keeping an eye on 452 prisoners who have recently been released from jails.