Series of burglaries hit Hyderabad suburbs, raise concerns among residents

A spate of burglaries hit Hyderabad suburbs during Sankranti, targeting homes in Ghatkesar, Narapally, and other areas. Residents, including police constables, demanded intensified night patrols, while authorities review CCTV footage and register FIRs for all reported incidents.

Hyderabad: A string of house burglaries has rattled residents in suburban pockets around Hyderabad, including Ghatkesar, Chengicherla, Charlapalli, Narapally, Pratap Singaram, and Gowrelly, as families who left their homes locked and went to their hometowns for Sankranti festival or attend other functions, returned to find their properties burgled or targeted in attempted break-ins.

Several houses, including those of two police constables, were burgled while they were away. In some cases, thieves were able to take jewellery, cash and other valuables, while in others there were attempts where intruders fled after failing to gain access.

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Police are currently investigating multiple complaints from these localities, where thefts and futile burglary attempts have left residents demanding stepped-up policing and frequent patrols. Security camera footage in some areas is now being reviewed by police to identify suspects and establish patterns.

One homeowner in Charlapalli who returned after a Sankranti trip found the back door of his home forced open and valuables missing. “We had locked everything before we left, but when we came back, the lock was broken and valuables were missing,” he told media persons.

Roshil, a resident of Pratap Singaram who found break-in attempt marks in his neighbour’s house premises, said, “They did not manage to get in, but they tried breaking open the lock and slipped away when lights came on. It is frightening to think someone could enter our compound while we were away.”

Local residents have expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of visible police presence in their colonies, especially at night. “We often see no patrol vehicles on our streets, even after complaints. We request patrolling at least twice an hour in these residential lanes. People are scared to leave their homes now,” said Raju, a resident.

Vikas, a resident of Narapally, noted that crime seemed to surge precisely when many families were visiting relatives for the festival. “Festive season should be a time of joy, not fear,” he said.

Residents also highlighted that after the merger of several gram panchayats into the GHMC limits, the expectation was for better civic amenities and security, but they feel this has not translated into safer neighbourhoods.

Locals also pointed to a perceived disconnect between administrative boundaries and on-ground security. “We are technically within the city limits now, but night patrols here feel like an afterthought,” another resident added.

Police officials said they registered FIRs in all reported cases and are examining CCTV footage where available, and have assured intensified patrols in the affected zones.