As winter begins to approach in the national capital, the Delhi Police have ramped up their night patrolling activities. This comes because, as winter progresses, there are fewer people around, and it gets foggy at night. This makes it an ideal time for criminals to carry out any number of activities, and it is for this reason that the Delhi Police are stepping up security measures.
However, according tosenior police officers, the move to increase night patrols comes in the wake of seasonal variations that normally see a high crime rate, involving theft, burglary, snatching, and vehicle-related offenses, among others, committed during the winter season characterized by high fog and cold weather that acts as a conducive and opportune setting for offenders.
Furthermore, under the strengthened plan, extra security personnel have been deployed in residential colonies, market areas, transportation hubs, industrial sites, and on the outskirts of major cities. Extra emphasis has also been laid on the identified vulnerable and crime-prone areas based on the previous records as well as the real-time inputs received. Police patrol activities have been conducted through the combined use of patrol vans, motorcycles, and foot patrol methods.
The winter security campaign also comprises night checks for vehicles in strategic locations. This includes the erection of police checkpoints on major roads, entrance and exit points in the city, and busy intersections. The police have been confirming the documents of the vehicles, searching for suspicious activities, and also holding interviews with people caught roaming around late in the night without tangible reasons. This will help in curbing drunk driving, which has increased on winter nights.
According to officials, the police have put their PCR vans on high alert for immediate action on distress calls. Beat police have been advised to maintain constant communication with the PCR vans in case of emergencies. The intensified patrolling has already resulted in faster action on complaints from the residents and police visibility in certain neighborhoods.
Delhis Police have also improved their coordination efforts with Resident Welfare Associations, as well as market associations. Citizens are being exhorted to raise concerns about any suspicious activity, stranger, or unattended vehicle in their neighborhoods. This, according to the police, will enable them to make their neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The safety of women has received special attention under this patrolling initiative. The police have been asked to keep a strict vigil in areas around bus stops, metro stations, and unlit areas where women are usually alone at night. The police patrolling teams have also been asked to escort late-night working women, including nurses and call-center and delivery staff.
Those senior officers carrying out surprise checks on night patrols indicated that, moreover, their intention is to secure not only that there are no crimes, but also to instill trust among the local population. Seeing policemen around gives citizens a sense of security, and would-be culprits are less likely to engage in criminal acts. It becomes difficult for wrongdoers to plan their acts due to frequent patrols of police vehicles.
In addition to policing, the Delhi Police have also released safety notifications to citizens. Citizens are advised to check that homes and cars are secure, avoid dark and empty areas during nights when it is foggy, and be cautious while traveling when it is foggy. Citizens have also been reminded of the need to make use of safety hotline numbers and safety apps when they feel unsafe.
The night patrolling drive is expected to continue over the winter season, with the possibility of extension during adverse weather conditions or security alerts. Again, the authorities emphasized that the promotion of law and order is a joint responsibility between the authorities and the public, and hence public cooperation is vital. As winter situations are expected to continue for a few more weeks, ensuring round-the-clock security for a safe, secured, and vigilant Delhi seems to remain a priority task for Delhi Police even on the chilliest nights.
