With incidences of crime against women on the rise, it pays to stay alert even in a comparatively safe metropolis like Mumbai. Poornima Swaminathan tells you ways to stay safe at home and on the move
With incidences of crime against women on the rise, it pays to stay alert even in a comparatively safe metropolis like Mumbai. Poornima Swaminathan tells you ways to stay safe at home and on the move
THE last few months have seen a spurt in crime against women across the city ranging from gruesome murders to petty crimes such as bag lifting, chain snatching and cellphone theft.
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Though Mumbai is considered to be a comparatively safe metro, it is essential for women to be alert and cautious all the time, especially with an increasing number of them using public transport every day.
With a view to curb the menace of rising crime against women on the suburban railway network, the Government Railway Police has introduced several safety measures, including installing CCTV cameras, ensuring the presence of policemen in ladies' compartments during the night and stepping up vigil.
According to police statistics, there were about 500 cases of chain snatching reported last year, as compared to 452 in 2009 and 429 in 2008.
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Most victims were women. On an average, 2,000 cases of crime against women are reported to the railway police every year, which include 200 cases of bag lifting.
Police officials say that since public transport systems are overcrowded, passengers become easy prey for criminals, who are always on the prowl and exploit the opportunity of melting into the crowd.
Safety tips
If you use public transport regularly, ensure your safety by:u00a0
Avoiding wearing expensive jewellery. Flashing expensive music players and cellphones may also result in you attracting the attention of miscreants
Wearing a cross-body bag with a sturdy strap to avoid cellphones being flicked from it
Being alert and aware of the surroundings. Also, make sure you keep an eye on people standing/sitting beside youu00a0
Watching out for people who make loud noises, talk too loudly and try to create confusion.
These may be ploys to divert your attention and steal your belongings.u00a0
Watching out for pickpockets. Grip your purse firmly in your hands or hold it under your arms.
Keeping your mobile phone in your purse or holding it firmly in your hands
Walking in a group instead of being on your ownu00a0
Looking confident even if you feel insecure
Keeping a cologne, deodorant or pepper spray handy to use on attackers in case of an attack
High-quality feed
The Western Railway (WR) is planning to install brand new CCTV cameras in all railway stations.
Unlike the earlier cameras, which gave poor quality footage, the new lot will provide much greater clarity and store footage for nearly a month.
The better quality of the video will make it easier for the police to use it as conclusive evidence against criminals.
The Central Railway (CR), too, is in the process of installing hi-tech security equipment on railway stations under its jurisdiction.
The equipment include night-vision cameras, internet-based security surveillance, vapour detectors and bomb baskets.
Home alone
If you live alone in the city, here's what you should do:
1u00a0 Maintain a good rapport with neighbours. Inu00a0u00a0 case of a crisis or emergency, you can ask them for help
2 Keep a tab on the people who come to your house to carry out electrical works, plumbing, carpentry and the like. Make sure you take down their contact numbers
3 Feed numbers of the local police station and police helplines on your mobile phone
4 Lock yourself in a room or bathroom and inform the police if robbers enter your house
Number game
468
The number of CCTV cameras WR has at its railway stations. 354 of these are fixed and 114 are movable
950
The number of CCTV cameras CR has at its railway stations. 100 of these are installed at CST
Helpline numbers
Western Railway Control Room: 2308 1725 / 2300 7476
Railway Police Western Railway: 2203 9800
Railway Police Central Railway: 0620
Railway Control Room: 2308 1725
Mumbai police helpline number: 103
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