Over 6,000 policemen on New Year duty

Disna MUDALIGE

Over 6,000 police personnel have been deployed in Colombo and suburban towns to ensure security and peace during the New Year festive season, Police Spokesman SP Ajith Rohana told the Daily News yesterday.

He said that one cadre among these 6,000 police officers has been deployed in civvies in crowded places and buses in main cities, such as, Peliyagoda, Kohuwala, Nugegoda,

Maharagama and Pettah etc to ensure public safety. He said that the Police has taken all necessary steps to prevent crimes and accidents during the festive season.

He said that a special traffic plan and round the clock operation would be put in place for two weeks commencing from next Monday to apprehend drunken drivers and road rule violators with a view to minimize road accidents. SP Rohana said that unauthorized parking of vehicles in cities would be fined and if required, the vehicles would be towed to the nearest police station adding that the expenses incurred in such cases would have to be borne by vehicle the owner.

He observed that complaints about robberies and other criminal cases could are expected to rise during next week. He requested the public to secure their properties, especially when travelling to their villages during the New Year season since burglars could use such opportunities.

He also requested the people to avoid from conventional strategies on residence security,such as, hiding the house keys under flower pots, near the water metres or under the door mat since house breakers are well aware of such tactics.

He also advised parents and guardians of children to be vigilant and instruct them on the proper use of fire works and crackers to avoid possible casualties. Commenting on New Year bicycle races and marathon races, he asked the organizers to seek Police assistance and permission for such events. He requested that such events organized on holidays or early morning to avoid disturbances to the public.

He also advised the supporters of bicycle race contestants to adhere to the traffic rules and regulations for their own safety and for the safety of others.