People helping in checking crime by installing CCTV cameras

The district police have found a new way to deal with the rising crime in the district by installing CCTV cameras on all important locations of the towns in the district with the help of the people.

Since the financial health of the police is not very sound to install these cameras, the police are seeking the help of the people to install them on their properties and about 500 cameras have already been installed in the district. Each camera costs nearly Rs 10,000.

"We are getting good response from the people, who have extended all help to the police by installing CCTV cameras on their properties," senior superintendent of police (SSP) Mandeep Singh Sidhu told the Hindustan Times.

"Besides covering all important locations in the city, on the request of the police, the people have also installed CCTV cameras in small towns like Dhuri, Malerkotla, Dirba and Sunam," he said, adding, "As we are getting positive response from the people, we have planned to double the number of CCTV cameras in the next few months by involving more people."

He said that these cameras not only help the police to trace out the culprits, but also ensure the safety of the property where the cameras have been installed.

"Though, we have prepared a separate plan for Malerkotla town for which Rs 60 lakh have been approved by the deputy chief minister, yet we are happy that the people are coming forward to help the police in its fight against crime," said the SSP.

Besides helping in solving cases of theft and murder, CCTV cameras are also very helpful in tracing out chain snatchers, who always remain a challenge for the police, he added.

The SSP said to help women of the city, the district police have also taken a new initiative by starting patrolling by women cops. Three women police personnel have been deputed by the district police for patrolling within the city. Their main focus in on girls' colleges and schools, main markets and other important places.

"The move was getting good response, and women of the city now feel much safer and don't hesitate to tell their problems to women police personnel," he added.