Shillong, Jun 1: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem today said that with Shillong’s size and population expanding the crime rate will naturally go up but police are making all efforts to keep citizens safe.
Although it sounds like it could be a character from a film or comic book, Syiem also said that there are “night hunters” who move around to prevent crimes and ensure there is police presence 24×7.
“Theft and burglary have increased but, at the same time, we have been able to nab many of these people, especially those who stole two-wheelers. The district police are prepared and are making all efforts to ensure that we control crime,” Syiem told reporters.
Increased use of CCTV cameras, deployment of Village Defence Parties (VDPs) and others working in tandem with the police have led to a number of successes.
The focus in the past was within city limits but the police’s attention has moved further afield to ensure that two-wheelers are not stolen.
“Our main concern is theft of two-wheelers , especially those parked in the road and not secured properly by chains or GPS,” he added.
Specific teams have been formed to focus on specific types of crime, such as the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and Special Cell for vice, Anti-Narcotics Task Force for drug related cases, car theft squad and SOT (Special Operation Team) which moves around the city.
“There are specific teams for particular crimes, but they work in tandem,” the SP stated.
