Alarm systems, CCTVs alongside temple bells in Gandhinagar

For the safety of banks and temples in and around the state capital, cops have asked them to install burglar alarms and CCTV cameras. The decision was taken by Archana Shivhare, Superintendent of Police, Gandhinagar.

For the past few months, police have received many complaints of thefts inside temples located in the city as well as other rural areas around Gandhinagar. In the absence of security, thieves steal the money kept inside the donation box easily. In many cases, thieves have stolen the gold and silver ornaments of gods under cover of darkness.

To curb the menace of thefts inside the temples, the SP has ordered temple authorities to install burglar alarm systems and CCTV cameras. The burglar alarm system automatically turns on and begins to beep loud if someone tries enters to premises or touches anything. The sound will alert people or security guards. The alarm system comes in various shapes and sizes. It starts functioning after turning it 'on' at night.

Apart from temples, police have also asked the banks to install such alarm systems inside their premises to avoid thefts. Earlier, cops had asked the banks to install CCTV cameras outside the banks. Cops have also ordered the civic authorities to install such cameras at major parking areas and public gathering spots such as markets of sector-21. Apart from these places, CCTV cameras will also be installed outside Sachivalaya, roads leading to Akshardham temple, Chiloda circle, etc in a month's time.

In the recent order, cops wanted the temples to beef up the security. Temples who cannot afford burglar alarms or CCTV cameras, should have security guards. In addition, cops also issued guidelines to protect the temple from thieves.

According to the guidelines, all the temples must remove all the ornaments from the idols and put them in a safe before closing the temple in the evening. At present, a Jain derasar in sector 22 has a burglar alarm system in place.