Cuttack, Jan. 25: Police are taking initiatives to check petty crimes, especially at the satellite township in Markatnagar.

As part of the ongoing community policing activities, the cops have launched "Know Your Neighbour" programme, which aims to develop a bond among residents of various sectors in Markatnagar and the areas in CDA phase II police station limits. The move would play a crucial role in checking burglary incidents that have become a cause of concern not only for the residents, but also for the police.

In 2015, Cuttack registered around 114 cases of robberies, out of which more than 38 cases were reported from Markatnagar and the areas under CDA phase II last year.

The police said the idea was to build mutual trust and co-operation among the residents. Earlier, many of them did not know much about their neighbours - which at times provided ample scope for goons to commit crimes with ease.

"We are now organising events at police stations to encourage a bond among the people living in their respective localities. They can remain alert and help each other at times of emergencies," said the deputy commissioner of police Sanjeev Arora.

The process of tenant verification has also been intensified, and over 2,500 persons have submitted details of those living in their residential complexes in the city.

"Earlier, there was utter lack of co-operation among the Markatnagar residents and none of us took any initiative to interact with our neighbours. Most of the families used to lead an isolated life," said Sector X resident Kishore Patnaik.

Patnaik said such programmes were the need of the hour after there had been a robbery at the residence of Justice P.K. Mohanty on May 30 last year. Seven to eight armed burglars had barged into the house of Justice Mohanty at CDA Sector XI, tied up the judge and two of his family members and decamped with Rs 13 lakh, along with gold ornaments.

Arora said serious steps had been taken to ensure that the local residents at CDA formed associations to monitor suspicious activities in their respective areas.

The cops have also asked the local residents to form groups on social media, including on WhatsApp for regular interaction and exchange of crucial information among themselves. The residents' associations have also been asked to add phone numbers of police officers for better co-ordination and resolving grievances.

A senior official said emphasis was now being given on creating awareness among the people. "They need to be careful while engaging migrant labourers to carry out construction at their homes or in their localities."

The residents are being urged to report to their nearest police station whenever they leave their house locked for more than three to four days, so that patrolling can be intensified near such dwelling units.