Cops drive pays as apartment associations’s install CCTV in localities

In their last association meeting, the residents of Ranjit Apartment in Vepery had an engaging debate on the need for installing CCTV cameras in the 32-flat apartment complex. “A proposal has been passed to install the cameras on the premises and we are waiting for the budget approval,” said Ravikiran Hirani, treasurer of the apartment association. 

Installing cameras at key points with a display monitor to view the recorded footage can cost anywhere between Rs 35,000 to Rs 80,000 depending on the number of cameras. For instance, the residents of Poonam Apartments in Nungambakkam installed cameras at multiple locations on the premises. The cameras were installed at the entry, exit, around the complex and on each floor. “It adds to the safety factor. The increasing number of crimes reported in the city displays the need for greater safety measures. Though a watchman is present at all times on the premises, the residents decided to install the cameras,” said Sathis S, a resident. 

The residents of Ashadeep Apartment in Egmore installed around 14 cameras on the premises around six months back. “We have cameras at all the entry and exit points and also on the terrace. Apart from this, there is a display monitor that shows the recorded footage from each camera. The entire process of setting up the security system costed around Rs 40,000 and the amount was deducted from the maintenance,” says Shravan K, a resident of the apartment. Many newer apartment complexes come equipped with these safety gadgets. After the police started raising awareness on setting up CCTV cameras, the residents of older buildings are now installing these security measures in their apartment complexes. 

Even those living in residential colonies have installed cameras at various points in the neighbourhood. Eight CCTV cameras were installed at Vivekanandapuram First Street in West Mambalam. “Around 160 families gathered money to bear the cost of the installation. There are a lot of senior citizens who live in this locality and the safety arrangements became a necessity. When we formed the association, some of the members went on night patrols, following the incidents of chain snatching. Now, with the help from the local police, we have installed CCTV cameras,” said Murali, secretary of the association.