Looking for more eyes to keep tabs on the city, the police have decided to rope in hawkers and private security guards to maintain vigil on the goings on in their surroundings.
Nearly 1,000 hawkers and security guards from different parts of the city participated in an awareness camp organised for them on Friday where the police officials gave a briefing about various security aspects.
“Markets and other public places are always on the radar of terrorists due to heavy rush. So we are roping in the hawkers and security guards to thwart any terror attacks or attempts to disrupt peace,” said DCP (Central) V. B. Kamalasan Reddy.
Moreover, the police feel that the pushcart vendors and make-shift stall owners interact more with general public and creating awareness about public safety among them is very important. As part of the programme, the police distributed pictures of terror suspects and Maoists involved in criminal cases and evading arrest.
The police have already begun an exercise to collect the personal data of the hawkers carrying out various trades across the city. “A software is being developed and all the phone numbers of the hawkers and security guards will be stored in it. In times of terror alert, we will ask them to be more vigilant,” Mr. Reddy said. The official also assured suitable reward for those coming forward to help the police prevent any terror attack or any crime.