Now, cops on cycle to patrol Delhi's Chandni Chowk

NEW DELHI: Next time you are walking in the bylanes of Chandni Chowk, a policeman on a bicycle might be keeping a watch on you.
The north district police have planned to form patrol teams to go around the streets of the Walled City after repeated complaints of crime from the bylanes and parks in the area.
Police officials said that they have procured eight high-performances cycles for this purpose.These cycles, police said, can also be fitted with the required attachments?like search lights and carry boxes?based on the needs of the patrolling official. They said that the cycles are also fitted with gears for travelling in all types of terrain.
"We have identified areas in Chandni Chowk, Kotwali, Civil Lines, Maurice Nagar and other vulnerable areas," said Madhur Verma, DCP, north.
Police said that the measure was taken after increasing incidents of chain snatching had been reported by morning walkers in the parks and streets of these areas.
Police officials said that most of the places are such that motorcycles, which are usually used by the cops, cannot enter. Also, it is difficult to drive a motorcycle here due to congested lanes or parks. "The use of bicycle would be more effective since it would increase the fitness of cops as well," said a senior police official.
The constables will run a patrol between from 8am and 10am and 4pm to 6pm around Red Fort, Moat Road, New Daryaganj Road, Delhi Chalo Park, Gyan Path and 15 August Park near Red Fort.
Similar patrolling will take place in Company Bagh, Metro Park, Mahila Park Kachcha Bagh. One bicycle is being used for patrolling in Delhi University area while another one is being used in Roopnagar Area, police said.

A street full of people in Chandni Chowk