Crime rate escalates in absence of CCTV surveillance in city

Even as the crime rate is escalating in the city with every passing day, the poor surveillance measures have exposed the apathy of the police department who had ensured minimal efforts to bring the crime rate down.

Even as the crime rate is escalating in the city with every passing day, the poor surveillance measures have exposed the apathy of the police department who had ensured minimal efforts to bring the crime rate down.

During a reality check conducted by the HT team, it was established that there are only a few places where close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed, but the irony is none of these cameras are in working condition.

Most of the snatching and harassment incidents, which occur on roadsides, can be solved easily, if the department concerned covers the major locations in the city under CCTV surveillance.

A city resident said, "Residents have to suffer in absence of CCTV cameras, as there is no check on the activities going on in the city. The department concerned should take initiative to take the city under surveillance."

The most happening and busiest locations of the city where functional CCTV cameras need to be installed are: City entrance, Bhai Wala Chowk, Bharat Nagar Chowk, Jagroan Bridge, Smarala Chowk, Hambran Road, Basti Jodewal, Chandigarh Road and other sensitive areas.

Police department had installed a few CCTVs at some locations several years back, but all of them are in non-functional condition now. Residents are demanding that department concerned should install new cameras at different places. They also demanded that a proper department should be made that keeps all recordings of the cameras, so that the footage can be availed in case of any incident.

Besides, the residents appealed that cameras should also be installed in internal areas of the city.
Reisdent say due to lack of CCTV cameras, sometimes snatching cases are not solved as there is no evidence.

Residents Speak

Police department should take the initiative to install CCTVs in the city, so that crime rate can be curbed. The crime rate has been increasing at a great pace in Punjab. Steps should be taken to curb the menace, so, that residents don't have to suffer.

Ivneet Sachdeva, resident, Kitchlu Nagar

Ludhiana is not safer for women crime rate is growing day-by-day. Police department should be more responsible as they have been deployed as saviour of residents. Moreover, people should also take precautions while going out.

Amandeep Kaur, resident, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar

Official Speak

Police department had installed a few CCTVs some years back but they are not in functional condition. City will get CCTV surveillance under the safe city project, which will start soon.

Richa Agnihotri, assistant commissioner of police (traffic)