Beaches are safer after crackdowns: North Goa SP

Calangute: With police crackdown on illegal activities and regular patrolling by the tourist security force, beaches across the state are now safer, said North Goa superintendent of police (SP), Akshat Kaushal, on Saturday.
After two murders— one of a tourist and the other of an Arambol resident— by beach shack staff in Jan and other violent incidents involving tourists and shack staff, the state police had started regular patrolling on beaches and also clamped down on illegal activities.
“Our stand has been very clear. We will not tolerate any touting. Whenever we come across any touts, we apprehend them and produce them before the director of tourism, where they are fined. In some cases we also arrest them if they are found committing any illegal act,” said the SP.
“We have given a very clear mandate to the tourist security force that if they come across any prohibited activity, they should take action. Local police stations are also taking action,” he added.
Kaushal further said, “Goa police is also working closely with business establishments with whom we have regular meetings. Some shacks have also put up boards that if anyone is in distress, they can contact the police there. There is now a smoother synergy between the local business establishments and the police.”