Locks, CCTVs, lights: DMP issues 14 instructions for keeping houses, shops secure during Eid

There is just over a week left before the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday kicks off. Soon, people will start leaving the capital to celebrate the Muslim festival with their loved ones in other cities and villages.

During the period (expected to be nine days long), tens of thousands of houses, shops and other establishments will remain vacant, making them more prone to fall victim to robbery, theft and looting.

To keep the establishments secure, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police today (19 March) has issued a total of 14 instructions, including locking up the doors and windows properly before going on vacation, bolstering the duties of security guards, asking neighbours to keep an eye out, and keeping the premises of any establishments properly lit up.

The DMP statement, published on its Facebook page, said the guideline took into consideration the fact that the country this year is likely to witness a relatively longer Eid vacation which could be as high as nine days of holidays.

"We have called upon the residents of the city to follow the instructions to ensure greater security during the Eid vacation," a DMP statement said.

"Duties of guards responsible for the security of various institutions and shops, including houses, apartments, banks and insurance companies, should be strengthened and 24-hour surveillance should be maintained to prevent any illegal intrusion," said the police unit responsible for law enforcement in the Dhaka metropolitan area.

"Necessary measures should be taken to monitor the overall security system. Instead of giving leave to all the officers and employees of the institution at the same time, a part of them can be kept engaged in the performance of duties so that they can monitor the overall security system of the institution," it added.

The DMP also advised to properly lock the doors and windows before leaving for Eid vacation. "Multiple locks can be used if necessary. If doors and windows are in a weak condition, they should be repaired and secured as much as possible."

The police also instructed installing CCTVs in shops, houses and other establishments, and making sure that the cameras remain on. In addition, auto locks and security alarms can be installed.

Regarding valuable items, including money, and documents, the DMP advised to keep those at a 'secure place or a relative's house'. If necessary, bank lockers can be used.

Tenants have been asked to inform their landlords before leaving their residences.

Besides, before leaving the house or institution, citizens have been instructed to ensure that the lights, fans, other electrical line switches, water taps, gas stoves, etc. are turned off.

The security personnel of the house or institution should be warned and necessary instructions should be given so that no one can enter the house or institution without permission, the DMP also said.

Other instructions include keeping garages secure, cutting off branches of trees near the window/door of houses to prevent criminals from entering the house using the branches of the tree, and informing the local police if suspicious individuals are seen roaming in front of the neighbourhood/house.