Intensive police beats in parts of City to keep thieves at bay

Intensive police beats in parts of City to keep thieves at bay
Deccan Herald

The increase in incidents of petty theft over the past one year in different areas across the City, has forced the police to take stringent measures.

The increase in incidents of petty theft over the past one year in different areas across the City, has forced the police to take stringent measures. For this, they have implemented the ‘Meet the Beat’, an extension of the regular beat routine, in various localities.

According to DCP South, Alok Kumar, “The latest method is more effective as the ACPs and other senior officials make it a point to check on the beat themselves. Through this, we track our policemen and instruct them on how to go about the beat and to distinguish between suspect people and others”.

‘Meet the Beat’ was first implemented this June in Koramangala and HSR layout, under the Madiwala police limits. Says Venkat Naik, Madiwala ACP, “Chain-snatching is most commonly reported. Women walking lonely stretches of roads are especially prone. We are trying to stop such incidents.”

For this programme, ACP Naik has organised two shifts of police beat to focus on the two theft-prone areas day and night. With around 40 policemen each in Koramangala and HSR layout, they spread out and scan different blocks.

The ACP does a personal check on those on the beat and has a review meeting at different checkpoints. And a motivational session for the cops is thrown in for good measure. “We aim to put psychological pressure on thieves. Along with cops on foot, we’ve the regular Hoysala rounds. This way, we make our presence felt at all times,” he said: “Thefts are fewer in these areas in the last couple of months”.

The other areas where the police have taken a cue from this are Hanumanthnagar, J P Nagar, Jayanagar, Girinagar and Banashankari. “All cops are alerted on thefts through the respective ACPs. They will be given a description of the suspects and their vehicles so as to track them more easily”.

Appealing for citizens’ co-operation, Mr Kumar requests people to at least ‘participate’ by helping someone in a crisis situation or inform the police about any suspicious movement. The police control room can be contacted: 22943111.