JOIN USKolar jewellers chant safety mantra
Ever since the posterior wall of Vijayalakshmi Jewellers was drilled by thieves and jewellery worth Rs 30 lakh was stolen, jewellery shop owners are worrying all the more about security.
Little security
According to the jewellers’ association, the district has up to 40 jewellery shops, inclusive of mortgage stores. Of these, however, only 15 to 20 shops have CCTVs installed. Only few shops have emergency sirens, too. Therefore, there is no means of checking people who enter the shops, including customers.
This has only drawn greater attention to the theft into a jewellery shops in the heart of the city.
The police claim that the thieves bored a hole in the wall of the general store adjacent to the jewellery store and made way with gold ornaments. They therefore advise owners of jewellery shops to provide greater security to the walls. “Next comes keeping a watch on the customers, in order to prevent theft,” add the police.
Preventive steps
Agreeing with the police, Jayanthi Lal, president of the jewellers’ association, said all jewellery shop owners should take preventive measures against crime in the shops.
Speaking with Deccan Herald on Friday, Lal reminded that about seven years ago, thieves had gained entry into Meenakshi Jewellers using a gas cylinder to break open the rolling shutters and stole up to 700 gram gold jewellery.
The Bangalore police officers had caught the thieves then. “Now, however, the district police should take up the case and solve the matter,” he added.
“The shop owners should use sirens that give out a loud sound when the locks of the doors are broken open unlawfully. Such sirens cost Rs 22,000 in the Bangalore market,” Lal advised.
Close investigation
The city police said a meeting of jewellery shop owners has been called regarding the theft. “They have been advised on the precautionary steps they have to take,” they added.
The officers at Gulpet police station, where a case was booked, are investigating the case.
Sources say staff from the forensic science department in Bangalore as well as staff from the crime detection squad in the city have been called to investigate the matter further.
Police advice to shop owners
* Mould the walls of the shops in a way that would prevent drilling
* Use iron grills on the front doors and also strong locks
* Ensure there is enough light around the shops
* Install CCTV and sirens in the shops
* Employ a night guard for the shops
* Take the jewellery and money home, after the day’s business
* Police security for the shops too can be requested
* The owners should have complete information about every employee
* The records about the employees should include their photographs and telephone numbers
* Get insured against jewellery theft
* Inform the police control rooms regarding suspicious persons