Security on Janpath to curb thefts

BHUBANESWAR: Under fire for a spate of theft and snatching incidents on Janpath, the commissionerate of police have fortified the busy route between Vani Vihar and Rajmahal.
The thoroughfare, having several banks, jewellery stores and other commercial establishments, is chock-a-block with customers in view of Diwali and Dhanteras.
Police stepped up security in the wake of October 18 theft of diamonds from a car near Sriya Square and October 20 loot of two laptops and a camera from a car near Rupali Square.
"We have given additional forces to Capital, Kharavela Nagar and Saheed Nagar police stations, having jurisdiction over the stretch. Plainclothes cops have been deployed near commercial establishments. Check posts have been put up at different places for frisking vehicles," said DCP Satyabrata Bhoi.
Eight snatching incidents were reported along the road in the past 10 months. While citizens blamed poor policing, police said people and business establishments should adopt precautionary and safety measures to prevent thefts.
"Though thieves continue to strike during festive seasons, police have failed to check them," said Deepak Mohanty, a resident of Ashok Nagar.
Police found flaws with business houses for ignoring their safety advisories. "Recently, we urged shopping malls, banks, jewellery stores and other commercial units to install good quality CCTV cameras outside the establishments. But nobody has followed it. Many shops are having cameras, but those are installed inside the shops. Cameras are essential at the entrance and parking lots as well," said a police officer.
Police have asked its traffic wing to regularly convene meetings with operators of crowded commercial establishments for better regulation of traffic in front of the buildings. "Chaotic traffic can lead to accidents and crimes. Some snatchings and thefts were reported from parking places," the officer added.