Guntur: Prasanthinagar, a colony in Gorantla, is perhaps the safest locality in Guntur city. It is so, not because of heightened police vigil, but solely due to its residents being quite resourceful and active.

They have taken the lead and installed surveillance systems to ensure that thieves dare not try their luck there. The CCTV cameras help the residents keep tabs on any unidentified person visiting the colony, and ensure their own safety.

Their efforts have been lauded not only by the other citizens, but also by the police department. Praising their efforts, the police department has been suggesting others to install CC cameras in all places where more than 100 people live or work.

Earlier on November 21, the news that a house was burgled in broad daylight spread through the colony, leaving the residents numb with shock. The robbers, still unidentified, made away with Rs 7 lakh in cash and gold ornaments worth Rs 23 lakh from the house of a realtor, M. Muralikrishna in the absence of the family.

The robbers tied Lakshminaryana, the realtor’s father and Srinu, a worker, and successfully fled from the spot. This incident left the other residents questioning themselves if their turn was next. The question led them to think twice about the security measures in place.

A student, M. Seshu, said that the members of the Prasanthinagar Development Committee proposed installation of CC cameras and the colony residents welcomed it. He said that the CC cameras help them monitor strangers and will also helpful to the cops, if the need ever arises.

Prasanthinagar Development Committee president Kishore Kumar said that initially, the CC cameras were installed at the entrance of the colony and the main junction, and will soon be installed on all streets of the colony.

The residents donated Rs 40,000 for the cameras in the first phase. DSP K. Narsimha welcomed the installation of surveillance in the colony and said that the other citizens should follow Prasanthinagar. “This will help the police curb crime,” he said.

Guntur Urban SP Rajesh Kumar said that according to AP Public Safety (measures) Enforcement Act-2013 rules, installation of CC cameras is compulsory in places where over 100 persons work. He said that the police is planning to install CC cameras with the help of donors and these cameras would be connected to police headquarters directly. Mr Kumar appealed to the people to cooperate with the police by coming forward and installing CC cameras.