Mumbai:
The Juhu police are planning to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras across all the areas which fall under its jurisdiction. The measure has been initiated in order to bring down the crime rate in that vicinity.
This will be the first time that the entire jurisdiction of a police station will be under scanner and monitored centrally by its staff. "We have started a survey in the areas to consider all aspects of starting this project," said police inspector A Bagwan.
The police mulled over this initiative after residents and activists in Juhu approached the police top brass requesting them to install CCTV cameras in most of the junctions, lanes, traffic spots, restaurants, malls and residential buildings in the area.
The police were approached after Juhu saw an increase in crimes in the recent past. The locals allege that instances of chain-snatching, robbery and certain other crimes have gone up in the area.
Juhu police station handles a population of around three lakh people and has a jurisdiction of around 3.6 square kilometres. The area is home to some of the city's affluent people and film stars, including Amitabh Bachchan. There are also many star hotels, malls and restaurants.
The police officials involved with the project say that at present they are in the process of identifying the spots where the CCTV cameras can be installed. The quality and features of the cameras are also being studied, they added.
However, the officials suspect that financing of the project could pose hurdles in its execution as the police will find it hard to get it sanctioned from the department concerned.
According to sources, although many societies and commercial establishments have promised to help the police financially, officials have their doubts.
"Many of those who have now assured us of support may go back on their words later," said a police officer.
Copyright restricted. Under license from
www.3dsyndication.com