Alert residents thwart gang’s burglary bid

Coimbatore: The Peelamedu police have increased vigil after a three-member gang tried to break into houses at Balaguru Garden on Saturday morning.

The gang members, who had covered their faces using clothes, were caught on CCTV cameras, police sources said. “One of them was carrying an iron rod. They tried to break open doors of four houses, but had to flee after the inmates switched on lights,” a police officer said.

The burglars had latched doors of three houses from outside. Two college students, who noticed the miscreants, contacted the police control room. By the time a police team reached the place, the burglars managed to escape.

Assistant commissioner of police Somasundaram, inspector T Jothi and sub-inspector Gnanasekar visited the area and met the residents.

The burglary attempt has left residents in shock, said president of the Balaguru Garden Resident Welfare Association C Venkidupathi. “As many as 300 families are staying in the area. We have decided to increase the number of CCTV cameras,” he told TOI.

A police team has been deployed in the area, Somasundaram said. “We have strengthened beat patrolling and night patrolling. After a gang was caught on CCTV at Deepam Nagar at Irugur on Thursday, we have tightened security there also,” he said.