In response to a worrying increase in theft incidents, the Bokaro police have rolled out a novel public outreach strategy. Authorities are now using loudspeaker announcements in residential neighborhoods and crowded marketplaces to directly appeal to citizens for cooperation.
A Direct Message for Crime Prevention
The core message being broadcast is straightforward and clear: "Ghar se bahar jayein, thana ko zarur batayein" (If you leave your house locked, inform the local police station). Senior police officials are convinced that heightened public awareness and timely information from residents can play a decisive role in reducing property crimes.
This initiative is part of a broader effort that includes intensified surveillance and investigations. Police are actively encouraging people to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their areas without delay.
A Shared Responsibility: Police and Public
Inspector General of Police for the North Chotanagpur Zone, Sunil Bhaskar, emphasized that preventing crime is a joint duty. "To curb crimes, especially theft, both police and the public have an important role to play. Awareness among citizens strengthens policing and helps prevent incidents," stated the IG.
Acting on his directives, all Superintendents of Police (SPs) within the zone have been ordered to conduct public awareness campaigns using public address systems across their jurisdictions. The North Chotanagpur zone encompasses seven districts: Bokaro, Dhanbad, Giridih, Koderma, Hazaribag, Ramgarh, and Chatra, where frequent reports of theft, burglary, snatching, and robbery are logged.
Strict Monitoring and Rising Numbers
The campaign is being closely monitored. Police station in-charges must submit certificates confirming the completion of awareness drives. SPs will then compile consolidated reports after verification by Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) or Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs). These final reports are due for review by December 31, 2025.
In a parallel move, details of vehicle theft, robbery, and snatching cases have been sought separately from each police station. Following these instructions, police in Bokaro and neighboring districts like Giridih and Koderma have already commenced their miking campaigns.
The push comes against a backdrop of concerning statistics. Bokaro has witnessed a significant surge in theft cases in recent months. Official data shows that 138 house burglaries were reported in the district last year. This year, the figure has already crossed 150.
The last three months of this year alone paint a grim picture:
- 13 houses burgled in September
- 19 houses burgled in October
- 10 houses burgled in November
Bokaro SP Harvinder Singh outlined the multi-pronged approach, stating that alongside enhanced patrolling and vigilance, public outreach through miking has been made a top priority to engage the community as active partners in safety.
