Hyderabad: As many as 13 colonies under the North Zone police limits have been identified as ‘crime-prone colonies’ where house break-ins, burglaries, chain snatching, eve teasing and other crimes occur regularly.

The North Zone police authorities have introduced a ‘Safe Colony Concept’ and selected few colonies for phase one. They are planning to block all entry and exit points (except two) in these areas between 10 pm and 6 am every day.

Only two exit and entry points will be kept open and they will be manned by security guards who will note details like name, address and vehicle number. Police will also undertake additional patrols.

Read: Safe Colony Concept: Residents to be given IDs

G. Sudheer Babu, deputy commissioner of police, North Zone, said, “The prime motive of the Safe Colony Concept is to prevent crime, the role of police will be minimal and there will be more participation from the Resident Welfare Associations. Even the movement of the colony people will be monitored through CCTVs, which shall be installed at the entry and exit points. More crime prone colonies will be identified; local police will hold meetings with the colony associations and educate them regarding the concept. The barricading will be preventing outsiders from entering the colony at night. Family and friends will be allowed based on the residents’ recommendation.”

Local police will also co-ordinate with various departments like GHMC, Electricity and Fire for manpower. The lists of residents will be collected from colony associations.

“Voluntary participation of residents is essential for the implementation of the concept. In few areas such as AWHO colony, Gunrock Enclave and Vikrampuri Colony, it has been implemented where the residents themselves have come forward to volunteer,” added the DCP .