BANGALORE: Residents of Vinayaka Layout off Ullalu Main Road are left at the mercy of the Almighty as far as safety is concerned. There is literally no policing in the area.

Though the layout, just behind the Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram, is located about four kilometres from Jnana Bharathi Police Station under West Division of the city police, it comes under Tavarekere Police Station of the Bangalore district, which is 15 km away. The layout is surrounded by BDA's Visvesvaraya Layout.

Despite reports of a spate of thefts in the last six months, including spare parts of vehicles and valuables, the Tavarekere Police were unable to crack even a single case. They reportedly claim that the station is situated far off with just 25 personnel and cannot practically police over 200 villages falling under their jurisdiction.

Cars targeted

The thieves, appearing to be expert mechanics, target Maruti Omni vehicles parked outside houses. During the last six months, six cases of theft involving Maruti Omni vehicles have been reported, including one on Tuesday. The miscreants usually steal starters, music systems and other parts.

Similarly, four cases of theft of water pumps have been reported. Recently, a number of steel taps, which were fixed outside houses were stolen. In two cases, cash, valuables and television sets had been stolen in the recent past.

The residents had brought the issue to the notice of the then Inspector-General of Police (Central Range) Jyothiprakash Mirji, who had assured to arrange beats by the city police, as the area was close to the city. However, it did not materialise reportedly owing to lack of personnel and vehicles.

The layout comprises many shed-like constructions put up by owners of vacant sites for "protection of sites." Strangers stay in these sheds and the residents suspect their involvement in crimes.

The situation is not better in other upcoming residential localities all along the Outer Ring Road between Kengeri and Magadi Road.

Parts of Kengeri Satellite Town, including a portion of the ORR fall under Bidadi Police Station, which is almost 15 km away, though it is a stone-throw away from the Kengeri Police Station of the city.

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