Crime News

Guntur Police have arrested four people in connection with a string of house burglaries after launching a focused investigation into a complaint from a resident of Old Guntur. The case came to light when Yeleswaram Bala Sudarshan Sharma returned home on February 17, 2025, to find his grill gate broken, bedroom lockers forced open and several valuables missing; this complaint prompted Old Guntur police to register a case and form a special team to probe the thefts. Using a mix of technical surveillance, intelligence inputs and traditional detective work, the police identified and arrested two alleged active burglars and two persons who had purchased the stolen property from them. The accused taken into custody include Syed Nagoor Basha (of LR Colony, Lalapet) and Uppala Suresh (of Swarna Bharat Nagar) — both described by police as repeat offenders with several previous cases — and two receivers, Bathula Gopinath and Uradi Janardhan, who are accused of buying and concealing the looted goods. Investigators recovered a substantial haul of stolen items from the operation: gold and silver ornaments and other valuables with an estimated value of about ₹14.65 lakh, along with a wristwatch and approximately ₹35,000 in cash reported missing from the complainant’s home. The seizure and arrests were carried out jointly by Old Guntur and CCS police as part of an intensified anti-theft crackdown. Superintendent of Police Satish Kumar, speaking about the arrests, stressed the importance of deterrence and preventive measures: he urged residents to install CCTV cameras and make use of the Locked House Monitoring System (LHMS) when leaving homes unattended for extended periods. He also warned that anyone who buys, sells or hides stolen property will face legal action and be arrested alongside the burglars. The SP added that technical surveillance and targeted police deployment were key to cracking the case quickly. The police said further investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects are linked to additional burglaries in and around Guntur, and they cautioned citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity promptly, and secure valuable items. The arrests underline the district police’s continued focus on using a combination of technology and intelligence-led policing to combat property crimes

Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) emphasized that the state has witnessed a remarkable decline in crime rates owing to the implementation of proactive and technology-driven policing strategies. He highlighted that the police department has shifted its focus from reactive to preventive policing, ensuring crimes are deterred before they occur rather than simply responding after incidents. According to the DGP, the introduction of integrated surveillance systems, enhanced night patrolling, and strategic deployment of forces in vulnerable areas have greatly improved the efficiency of law enforcement. Special emphasis has been placed on women and child safety, with initiatives like Disha Police Stations and mobile safety apps that ensure rapid response to distress calls. The DGP also credited data analytics and artificial intelligence tools for enabling the police to identify crime patterns and hotspots, allowing officers to allocate resources more effectively. Furthermore, community policing programs—which encourage citizens to collaborate with local police—have strengthened trust and cooperation between the public and law enforcement authorities. In addition, the department has conducted regular awareness campaigns, training programs, and sensitization workshops for officers to improve their communication and problem-solving skills. These efforts have led to better public interaction, transparency, and accountability in policing. The DGP reaffirmed the government’s and police department’s commitment to maintaining peace, order, and public confidence across Andhra Pradesh. He stated that continuous modernization, smart use of digital tools, and the dedication of police personnel are key factors driving the state’s success in sustaining a low crime rate and building a safer society for all citizens.