Undercover cops to keep watch

In an effort to prevent illegal activities and ensure a peaceful Ganpati, the police have decided to keep all venues under surveillance with cops in civilian clothes.

“Special squads have been formed to roam around in civilian clothes during the festival. They will go to mandals and other crowded places in the city and mingle with people. Whenever they find something amiss, they will inform a senior officer. Police vans will reach the spot within a few minutes to do the needful,” said Dhanraj Dayama, assistant commissioner of police.

“The system will help us understand how gangs in the city work. With these squads on field, we will be able to thwart terrorrelated and other untoward situations. If anyone is spotted roaming around suspiciously, he or she will be detained,” he added.

Several residents of Navi Mumbai go to Konkan and other parts of the state during Ganpati.

In view of frequent instances of theft and robbery, police have asked residents to take necessary precautions before leaving their homes.

“Residents should keep their jewellery and valuables in lockers. They should also install steel doors to prevent house breakin,” said an officer.

“People should inform their neighbours when they go out of town. They should leave one light on in their flats,” he sad.

“Culprits normally do not target flats when they see lights on through the windows. We also appeal to all the housing societies to install CCTV cameras on their premises and hire security guards for their own safety,” he added.