Wake up night cops or face the music

Cops on night patrol or at checkpoints will no more be able to 'sleep' through the night or shrug off their responsibility if a theft or burglary takes place in their area. To curb the increasing thefts in the western part of the city and provide citizens with a sense of security, DCP Zone 1 has sent a missive to cops under his jurisdiction to be more alert at night or face the music if a crime takes place.
As per available data, compared to 38 burglaries in houses and shops in 2015, over 40 burglaries have already been reported in the first six months of this year in Zone 1 that comprise areas such as Vastrapur, Navrangpura, Ghatlodia, Vadaj, Sola, Gujarat University and Naranpura. To stem the increasing burglaries, DCP Zone 1 Bipin Aahire issued a notice to his cops to remain alert on patrolling routes and be vigilant at checkpoints. Failing to do so and in the event of a theft or burglary, the cop on night duty at the place of crime may face suspension or can be fined. According to Zone 1cop, "Bulk of the crimes take place at night. Incidents of house break-in, shop burglaries and thefts are on the rise. This is a huge concern for people.
The notice has been issued to keep such incidents under check. The notice was sent to all Zone 1police stations in May and its implementation has already begun." So if a crime takes place at night, the cops manning the area or route will be held responsible. Inspector and assistant commissioner of police (ACP) level cops have been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the order. Checkpoint cops have to check four-wheelers at night and record the details like car number, driver's licence and other details in a diary and submit it to the police station officer (PSO). Cops also also required to keep a tight vigil on malls, jewellery shops, banks, ATMs etc to ensure that the security staff at these places are also alert.
ALL COPS DIRECTED TO BE IN UNIFORM
Moreover, the cops have been asked to always be in uniform during night duty. No cops on night will be in plain clothes, not even the surveillance squad personnel, the order states. Cops found violating this order and remaining unvigilant on the job can face suspension or will have to pay a fine. DCP Zone 1Bipin Aahire who initiated the move said, "The notice has been issued to raise awareness and also to ensure that cops are vigilant and alert during night hours. The purpose of this increased vigilance at night is to check crime and ensure that people can sleep peacefully. The cops are supposed to be particularly attentive about ATMs, banks, jewellery showrooms and against house break-ins."
RESIDENTS ARE RELIEVED
hailesh Shah (43), who owns Arasuri Jewellers near Vallabh char rasta, said, "We are seeing increased police activity at night for the past several days. There is more patrolling, more checking of vehicles. This is good and gives us a sense of security." Security guards at commercial complexes too have been put on alert. Lakshman Patil and Kamlesh Daggar, two security guards on night duty at Jewels Forever at Times Square Complex on C G Road, said, "Police patrolling and vigil has certainly increased. Cops particularly pay attention to jewellery shops, ATMs, etc.
We too have been asked to be alert through the night." Kinjal Shah (30), who owns an aluminium section business in Sundarnagar said, "There are many jewellery shops in my area. I usually close my shop by 9 pm. Stepping out for a movie or while eating out I have seen the increased presence and activity of cops. For the past 15 to 20 days, the police movement has increased, which is good." According to Sanjiv Rai (32), security incharge at Bharat Cooperative Bank, Abhishree complex, Bodakdev, "In one night, we find cops coming over several times, keeping an eye on security staff and also checking vehicles.
If they don't see a guard, they immediately inquire about his whereabouts. With a number of jewellery showrooms in our area, such a move is pertinent." Bipin Bhavsar (53), who owns Veer Dairy parlour in Ghatlodia has a word of advice, "Patrolling on the main roads is good, but if the cops can cover the interior roads as well, it would be even better."