Residents pool funds to donate 60 CCTV cameras near Katpadi in Vellore to prevent crimes

Concerned over rising cases of bike theft, chain snatching, and suspected drug use, residents of Katpadi in Vellore launched a community-funded drive to donate 60 CCTV cameras that will be installed on 15 streets for better surveillance.

These residents were members of the Balaji Nagar Residents Welfare Association in Katpadi. The area has more than 15 streets that come under Vellore Corporation limits.

As part of the initiative, they mobilised funds to buy CCTV cameras and donated them to Katpadi police, who have been monitoring the existing 210 cameras within its limits. “The identified 15 streets in the residential colony in Katpadi do not have CCTV cameras. As a result, the area has been witnessing petty crimes in recent months. So, residents decided to pool funds for the cameras,” said N. Vinoth, a resident.

Residents said that they managed to mobilise around ₹2.5 lakh. They bought 60 CCTV cameras and donated them to Katpadi police, which has a centralised control room to monitor the cameras within its limits. “Residents’ cooperation to ensure security in an area is vital. The donated cameras will not only help prevent crime but also improve safety, especially among senior citizens and women in the area,” S. Dayalan, Inspector, Katpadi police.

Each camera costs around ₹4,000, while installation of posts, cabling, and labour will be done by the local police by roping in CSR funds as it will incur an additional ₹5,000 each. The cameras will also help track movement of vehicles.

For residents, the cameras will help prevent crimes like chain snatching, cell phone robbery and house break-in. It will also help curb substance abuse. As the area comes within Corporation limits, residents said that the initiative will also help address civic issues in the area.