Streetplay to create more awareness

Concerned that criminals are using juveniles to commit crimes by making them sniff correction fluid, the Delhi Police organised a streetplay to create awareness about this form of substance abuse.

Concerned that criminals are using juveniles to commit crimes by making them sniff correction fluid, the Delhi Police organised a streetplay to create awareness about this form of substance abuse.

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The initiative was taken by the southeast district police. Over 500 children gathered at a ground in Jaitpur to watch the play.

"They are not criminals but are often used by criminals. The best way to stop them from entering the world of crime is to teach them. By holding streetplays, we hope to make them and their parents aware of drug abuse," said Ajay Chaudhry, additional commissioner of police (southeast).

The event was organised with the help of an NGO. The police is planning to organise more such plays.

Three plays informing residents about the menace of drug abuse, importance of tenant verification and vehicle theft were performed by a group of artistes.

"We have been telling them how to keep their home and vehicles safe, but the best way is by organising plays as it will always remain in their minds and hopefully, they will take some precautionary measures," Chaudhry added.

According to the police, correction fluid is the most commonly-used drug among children, with most of them sniffing the solution.

"The criminals generally target street kids and lure them by giving them correction fluid. We need to stop juveniles from committing crimes as it is a disturbing trend," he said further.

The locals were happy with the initiative. "It is very rare of the police to organise such events to educate residents. The play has sent the right message among residents and we learnt a lot," said Shradha Singh, a resident of Jaitpur.