Residents opt for CCTV cameras to protect homes, counter rising incidence of crime

In Jeth Nagar, the residents reported an average of two mobile or chain snatching incidents per week, which made them consider putting up CCTV cameras in their area. Ravi Nandyala, the founder-president of Jeth Nagar Resident Welfare Association, said that for the nine streets within Jeth Nagar, a “champion” resident is identified. “This person canvasses their street to raise funds and find a vendor who will offer a good discount for the cameras,” said Nandyala.

“It took us over a year to install 30 cameras across nine streets. With that, the residents also have the facility to view the footage on their phones. There is a central monitor in my house which I use to check if all the cameras are working properly,” he added.

The Federation of Residents Welfare Associations of Rajakilpakkam (FRWAR) too was inspired to install CCTV cameras because of the increasing instance of chain snatching and thefts in the area. Classic E Chandran, the president of the federation, bought and installed 140 cameras across the locality. “There is a control panel in a few selected houses in each street, which is used to monitor that locality,” said Chandran.

It is not only resident welfare associations but also large, upscale apartment complexes that are putting up CCTV cameras. The biggest problem, however, is the lack of maintenance, which renders the exercise futile in the long run. Ritu Shah, a resident of an upscale apartment complex in Nungambakkam, said that 20 CCTV cameras were installed around the premises. “But, due to poor maintenance only two or three of the cameras are functional now,” said Shah.

For her, it is also a safety concern as she lives by herself in an apartment complex which is not fully occupied. “The security staff is also not equipped to handle the CCTV monitors or analyse the data efficiently. The situation was akin to not having any CCTV cameras around,” said the 29-year-old software professional.

Despite the glitches, neighbourhoods are ready to invest in CCTV cameras as it offers additional security cover. Residents of Jeth Nagar are mulling to create a mini-command centre. “We were discussing options to have a central monitor, which can be continuously scrutinised by a private security person or an agency, which can remotely keep an eye on the neighbourhood and alert the police if they find anything fishy. This will ensure better security for the residents,” said Nandyala.