Members of the Balaji Nagar Residents Welfare Association in Katpadi started the initiative. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Residents of Katpadi in Vellore, alarmed by increasing cases of bike theft, chain ripping and suspected drug use, have launched a community-funded drive to donate 60 CCTV cameras to be installed in 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 fall under Vellore Corporation limits.
As part of the initiative, they have mobilized funds to buy CCTV cameras and donated them to the Katpadi police, who are monitoring the existing 210 cameras to the best of their ability. “Identified 15 streets in a residential colony in Katpadi do not have CCTV cameras. As a result, the area has been witnessing petty crimes for the past few months. So residents have decided to pool funds for the cameras,” said resident N. Vinoth.
Residents said they managed to mobilize around ₹2.5 million. They have purchased 60 CCTV cameras and donated them to the Katpadi Police which has a centralized control room to monitor the cameras within its capabilities. “The cooperation of residents to ensure safety in the 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 of Police, Katpadi.
Each camera costs around ₹4,000, while the installation of posts, cabling and labor will be done by the local police with the help of CSR funds, as each will require an additional ₹5,000. The cameras will also help track the movement of vehicles.
For residents, the cameras will help prevent crimes such as chain larceny, cell phone robberies and house burglaries. It will also help reduce substance abuse. As the area falls under the society’s limits, residents said the initiative will also help address civic issues in the area.
Published – 18 Feb 2026 05:30 IST