Lucknow, Pickpockets, snatchers and those targeting shoppers during the festive rush may find themselves under watch without even realising it, with Lucknow Police set to deploy personnel in plain clothes at crowded markets, jewellery shops and other sensitive locations during the festival season.
The directives for this, and other measures to check crimes, were issued at a review meeting chaired by Police Commissioner Tarun Gauba to assess law-and-order arrangements for Dhanteras, Diwali, Bhai Dooj and Chhath. As part of the measures, police stations have been directed to conduct regular foot marches and vehicle patrols, particularly along the major roads, markets and sensitive locations. Police will also inspect firecracker shops and storage facilities in coordination with concerned departments to ensure compliance with safety norms and availability of firefighting equipment. “Special checking drives will target drunk driving, overspeeding, rash driving and motorcycle stunts.
“Police personnel in plain clothes should be deployed, as required, at crowded markets, jewellery establishments and other sensitive locations so that pickpockets, those who cheat people through diversionary tactics, snatchers and other criminal activities can be effectively curbed,” Gauba said. Additional security personnel and police pickets will be deployed at crowded markets, shopping malls, commercial establishments, religious places and jewellery markets, a statement said. To ensure women’s safety, female police personnel, along with Mission Shakti and Anti-Romeo teams, will be present at crowded public places, it said. Police will also keep watch on anti-social elements, provocative social media posts and attempts to spread rumours,” Gauba said.
