Crime on rise in isolated areas

People in isolated places are the targets
Miscreants Prefer Deserted Ring Roads, Localities To Busy Ones
Times of India

An elderly couple, stranded in their car that broke down near Nagavara on Ring Road on Sunday night, were attacked by miscreants who looted cash, gold chain and mobile phone. Near Hebbal lake, a gang of around five highway dacoits attacked two businessmen and sped away in their cars a few days ago. A couple was attacked by miscreants near Katriguppe and a girl molested.

235 robberies and chain snatchings have been reported in the city till August this year, according to police statistics. In 2003, there were 311 robberies and chain snatchings, of which around 200 have been detected. 27 dacoities too were reported.

As robberies and chain snatchings continue unabated in the city, citizens are being increasingly targeted specially in isolated areas. With poor visibility of the police on the outer ring road, it has turned out to be a prime location for such robberies.

However, police commissioner S. Mariswamy says, “In a big place like Bangalore, incidents like these are bound to happen. However, the increase is not alarming. We are taking adequate measures to deal with the situation.’’

Commenting on the robberies on outer ring road, Mariswamy said the Hoysalas (four-wheeler patrol vehicles) and the jurisdiction police are on regular patrolling. The stretch of 62 kilometers of the outer ring road has been a haunt for criminals who find easy targets.

The outer ring road passes through the jurisdictions of over 15 police stations: Rammurthynagar, Mahadevapura, HAL, Banaswadi, Hennur, Hebbal, Jalahalli, Yeshwantpur, Peenya, Nandini Layout, Kamakshipalya, Byatrayanapura, Girinagar, Banashankari, Mico Layout and Madivala.

GUARD YOURSELF

Avoid parking on an isolated or badly lit stretch of ring road.
Do not use ring road to canoodle. Couples often stop by roadside to get cozy.
Do not stop your vehicle when strangers seek a lift. Robbers often use women as decoy.
Avoid stopping to relieve yourself by the roadside.
Avoid displaying valuables and carrying huge amounts of cash while driving at night.
Do not get involved in road rage fights.
Make sure the vehicle is in good condition and is filled with enough fuel.
If vehicle breaks down and if you have to stop, inform a known person. Use hazard lights. Lock vehicle from inside till help arrives.