Mysore/Mysuru: In the wake of a series of serial thefts at the APMC Yard in Bandipalya, the Police and the merchants have come together to make it a secure zone. The Yard is susceptible to thefts and has often been the target of burglars. Though there is a Police Outpost here, this has not deterred the burglars. 

A meeting was conducted by the office-bearers of the Merchants Association recently at the APMC Hall and the Police — after the latest serial theft incident at the APMC Yard on July 7 — where it was decided to beef up security with the active involvement of Mysore South Police. 

Mysore South Police Inspector Shashikumar assured the merchants that night beat would be increased along with extended surveillance timings. He asked the merchants to install CCTV cameras in the entire vicinity and night vision cameras would help in tracing the burglars. 

Apart from store premises, CCTV cameras must also be installed at A and B Blocks and the streets that lead to these blocks. The Inspector suggested the merchants to come up with their own security measures like ensuring the closure of gates except the entry and exit gates. 

Even the main gates must be open from 6 am to 8 pm to facilitate the entry of farmers with their produce and also goods that arrive from various destinations. Security guards from private agencies must be appointed to ensure round-the-clock security with special thrust on security after dark, the Police Inspector suggested. 

This apart, all the entries and exits of vehicles must be recorded. A siren system must be implemented where there will be hourly sirens in the night and apart from the Police beat outside, the APMC security guards too must survey the premises during the night, he suggested. 

To prevent accidents at the main gate, scientific road humps must be installed at the entry and exit gates. The traders were advised not to keep cash at the shops while locking them at the end of the day. Also, quality locks must be put to the rolling shutters and care must be taken not to give a chance to the burglars either to break the lock or pry open the shutters. 

Police protection would be provided to the merchants in case they have to transport huge cash either to banks or to their homes at night and prior information must be provided to the Police in case security is required, Shashikumar assured. 

APMC Secretary Siddaraju, Mohan, office-bearers of APMC Merchants Association and others were present at the meeting.