Instances of theft increasing at BBMP swimming pool in Vijayanagar

BENGALURU: Several theft cases have been reported at the BBMP’s ‘Vijayanagar Aquatic Centre’ in Vijayanagar in the city and it has become a hub for thieves.

Thieves are stealing mobile phones, purses, money, chains and valuables from people who come to swim at the pool. Though visitors are alert, the thieves manage to steal items kept in bags and escape. In light of the increasing number of thefts, the swimming pool staff and lifeguards are keeping a close watch on people’s movements.

The swimming pool has CCTV cameras installed around. The public batch timings are from 6 am to 10 am, and it is during this time that most thefts take place. Staff members announce warnings periodically over the microphone, and keep a close watch on the CCTV cameras. Despite this, thieves continue to steal valuables.

In the light of the thefts, parents are hesitant to send their children to the swimming pool. Earlier, the swimming pool had a locker system, but thieves would break the lockers and steal valuables. As a result, the locker system was discontinued.

Thefts also occur outside the swimming pool premises. In the past, thieves have even attacked staff members inside the pool premises. In the early days, thieves were caught by staff and handed them over to the police. A warning was also issued to them.

Amarnath, supervisor of the Aquatic Centre, said, “We have taken several safety measures to prevent thefts. We alert visitors about their belongings through announcements and have put up boards, wrote on walls. Lifeguards are also keeping a close watch on visitors’ belongings and CCTV cameras have been installed. They are targeting especially on Sunday, so we will increase security”.

Jayashree, a parent, said, “Thieves stole many items from the place. As they say, there are CCTV cameras, but valuable items are never recovered. We are scared to send our children to the swimming pool, though there is security. If we take our eyes off our belonging even for a moment, they are stolen”.