Avoid opening doors on hearing unusual noises during rain, warns Kerala Police

KOTTAYAM: Amid the heavy rains in the state, the Kerala Police has said that there is a possibility of thieves to take advantage of the situation as people go to bed early due to rain and cold weather. The Kottayam District Police has warned people to be careful to prevent the increase in robberies and thefts.

According to the police, people should avoid getting out of their house as soon as they hear unusual noises like children crying outside or water running on the pipe. "Make sure the mobile phone is charged at night. Avoid switching off the phone. Keep the phone numbers of the neighbouring houses in order to contact them in case of emergency. On hearing unusual noises such as babies crying, the sound of water running in the pipe, you should inform the neighbors immediately, and if it is at night, be sure to put on the lights outside the house," the police warned.

"The information should be communicated to the neighbours at the time of locking the house and going out. If the house is being locked for more days, it can be reported to the police station and besides, police surveillance can be ensured by registering on the LOCKED HOUSE INFORMATION portal of Kerala Police's POL-APP. In cases where the house is locked for more days, the concerned persons should be told not to provide daily newspaper, milk and post," the police added.

"Also land phones should be temporarily disconnected. Care should be taken not to leave the lights on during the day when there is no one at home. Assign a trusted person to turn on and off the outside light and safely take away the newspaper, milk, postage stamps, etc. Make sure that the doors and windows of the house are closed and bolted before going to bed at night."

"Try to report anything suspicious to the police immediately. Do not keep weapons such as crowbars, pickaxes, etc. that can be used to break into the house. If you have CCTV, make sure it is working when the householders go out. Keep the phone number of the Janamaithri beat officer, the police station number and the police emergency number 112 to contact them in case of emergency," the police instructed.