Police roll out public awareness drive to prevent rising thefts in Bokaro

Bokaro: Concerned over the rising cases of theft in Bokaro, police have adopted a change in its policing strategy by reaching out to the public through loudspeaker announcements in residential colonies and busy market areas urging them to cooperate in crime prevention. The message being broadcast through miking is simple and direct: (Ghar se bahar jayein, thana ko zarur batayein) If you leave your house locked, inform the local police station).Senior police officials believe that awareness and timely information from residents can significantly reduce such crimes. Along with intensified surveillance and investigations, police are encouraging people to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements in their neighbourhoods.Inspector general of police, North Chotanagpur Zone, Sunil Bhaskar, stressed that crime prevention is a shared responsibility. “To curb crimes, especially theft, both police and the public have an important role to play. Awareness among citizens strengthens policing and helps prevent incidents,” the IG told TOI.Acting on his directions, all superintendents of police (SPs) under his zone have been instructed to conduct public awareness campaigns using public address systems across their jurisdictions. The north Chotanagpur zone includes Bokaro, Dhanbad, Giridih, Koderma, Hazaribag, Ramgarh, and Chatra districts, where frequent incidents such as theft, burglary, snatching, and robbery are being reported.“Police station in-charges have also been asked to submit certificates confirming awareness drives, while SPs will compile consolidated reports after verification by SDPOs or DSPs. These reports are to be submitted for review by December 31, 2025,” said the IG.Details of vehicle theft, robbery, and snatching cases have also been sought from each police station separately. Following these instructions, police in Bokaro and neighbouring districts like Giridih and Koderma have begun miking campaigns.Bokaro, in particular, has seen a surge in theft cases over the past few months. Official sources reveal that 138 house burglaries were reported in the district last year. This year, those figures have already crossed 150 so far.In the last three months alone, 13 houses were burgled in September, 19 in October, and 10 in November.Bokaro SP Harvinder Singh said that apart from intensified patrolling and vigilance, police have prioritised public outreach through miking.