We are trying to cover every entry point in the east district
We have conducted an audit of residential apartments and asked them to install cameras, says Asif Mohammad, additional DCP (east) in an interview to HT.
Many residents have been complaining that the police have not been patrolling the area extensively, which has resulted in the rise in incidents of street crime?
I agree that there have been incidents of snatching but to deter such people, we have started carrying out patrolling along with the PCR and traffic staff. Apart from joint patrolling, local police also carry out surprise checking which act as as deterrent.
The law and order situation in east Delhi has become so grave that residents themselves have installed CCTV cameras to keep an eye on anti-social elements. What do you have to say about this?
We have conducted an audit of residential apartments and asked them to install cameras. Our focus earlier was on markets but now we are in regular touch with Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs). The audit is going to be a regular feature.
There are number of stretches that are poorly lit, allowing burglars and snatchers to flee easily after committing a crime. What have you done to fix this problem?
In our monthly meeting with the BSES, we had given them a list of nonfunctional street lights. Most of the times, they repair the lights. We have also identified the dark stretches and are in touch with the authorities to install more lights there.
The location of east Delhi is such that many of its areas are on the border, which being porous results in criminals having easy access to the housing societies. What steps have been taken to improve the situation?
Every small border is considered sensitive. And we are trying to cover every entry point into the Capital in the east district, despite the fact that there are many. There is a deployment plan for every border point. We also hold regular meetings with neighbouring district police and share details.