Their reputation seriously dented by the December 16 gang rape, the Delhi Police have drawn up a list of areas in the Capital that are frequented by women in large numbers and started increasing security there. The force has surveyed and identified 139 points (markets, malls, commercial buildings) and 255 stretches that see large female crowds routinely. Most of these ‘vulnerable areas’ are in the posh south and New Delhi. In addition, a survey of 1,582 ‘dark stretches’ has been carried out.

“We have identified the areas and increased patrolling. The list of areas with poor lighting has been sent to the agencies concerned,” said Deepak Mishra, special commissioner (law and order).

Lists have gone out to the lieutenant governor's office, transport department, other agencies and all police districts for re-deployment of PCR vans, motorcycle patrols and emergency response vehicles.

Officers said areas were listed keeping several factors in mind - commercial areas with a large female workforce, routes taken by working women returning home at night. "We also identified routes taken by families and women returning from entertainment hubs such as cinema halls, markets and hotels," said a senior police official.

For instance, Vasant Vihar in south Delhi made it to the list because it has several hotels, commercial hubs and a major market. Other areas include Kasturba Gandhi Marg, INA market, Connaught Place, Rohini sector 3, Sarojini Nagar market and Sardar Patel Marg.

The 'dark stretches' include Shankar Road, Hailey Lane, Delhi Gate and Karol Bagh. Lutyens Delhi has 24 such points and 46 stretches while south Delhi has 29 points and 46 stretches.