Install CCTV cameras across city

What can be done to tackle petty crimes in city?

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Increase police presence in city

Incidents of pickpocketing and snatching have been on the rise in the city, resulting in inconvenience to residents. Most such incidents occur at the bus stand and the railway station. Women are afraid to step out of their houses without masking their gold necklaces or rings. People must try to avoid cramped and crowded places to safeguard their wallets. Though the authorities are taking steps to curb the incidents, nothing has changed on the ground. In most cases, the police blame victims for lack of awareness. There is also inadequate police presence in the city to deter anti-social elements. At the railway station and bus stand, there are one or two policemen around. More police personnel should be stationed at such places and CCTV cameras must be installed across the city. One of the chief reasons behind people taking to pickpocketing is their poor family background. So the authorities must take steps to provide them with employment opportunities. Hence, greater cooperation and efforts from the government can help solve this menace.

Amit Kesarwani

Train students on how to guard themselves

There is a need to install more CCTV cameras near the railway station and the bus stand. Police patrolling must be enhanced to deter anti-social elements. The police must set up contact points near congested junctures to enable timely reporting of such cases and arrest of robbers. Students should be trained at schools and colleges to become self-dependent and to defend themselves in such situations. Also, strict police action must be taken when suspects are held by the police.

Manjinder Kaur

Strengthen poverty elimination schemes

As cases of petty crimes are on the rise in the city, the authorities must engage the locals and act swiftly. A crime map of the city must be drawn that would contain information on places with high cases and also peak time of such cases. This map can be used to increase patrolling and install CCTV cameras in highly-prone areas. As goes the saying that it takes a village to prevent a crime, people should be asked to report even pettiest of crimes and the police should collaborate with the locals in nabbing the suspects. Schemes aimed reducing poverty and laws devised to curb substance abuse and alcoholism must be implemented efficiently. Petty crimes must be curbed before the accused resort to serious ones.

Simran Sidhu

Devise multi-pronged plan to tackle cases

To check the ever-rising incidents of pickpocketing, a multi-pronged action plan needs to be devised. The police should collate information of those who indulge in anti-social activities and arrest them with help from informers. Those convicted in these cases must be given strict punishment to deter others. Youngsters addicted to drugs also resort to snatching to make easy money. They should be counseled by their parents and specialist to shun such activities. At the same time, people should also remain careful about their belongings, especially at public places, marriages and processions. Women should avoid displaying their costly jewellery and purse at crowded places and in isolated places, particularly at night. When such incidents take place, victims must immediately inform the police.

Pursharth Joshi

Women must remain extra cautious

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and snatching have been on the rise in the city. The authorities concerned are barely making required efforts to contain the crimes. It has become unsafe for residents, especially women, to move around in crowded places such as the bus stand and the railway station. CCTV cameras must be installed at public places and important crossings. Women carrying bags or wearing golden ornaments should be alert and cautious while travelling. While stopping at red lights, side windows of vehicles should be kept closed as far as possible. Police personnel should be deployed at public places to keep an eye on anti-social elements. As most cases involve women as victim, they should be extra cautious when stopping at the lights.

Prof NK Gosain

QUESTION

A Punjabi movie was recently banned for glorification of gangsters. Movies that glorify gun culture, gangsters and showcase violence mislead youngsters who try to emulate these things in real life, resulting in increased crime rate. We invite our readers to send in their views as to whether there should be a complete ban on such movies or they shall be released after putting necessary cuts?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to btitribune@gmail.com or post it to Bathinda Tribune, SCF-117, Opposite Harchand Cinema, Goniana Road, Bathinda, by March 15.