Kolkata: Shaken by robbery attempt, Salt Lake residents demand night patrol, CCTV cameras

KOLKATA: The robbery attempt at Salt Lake’s AH Block has shaken up residents, who demanded immediate security step-up, especially inside the blocks, and police patrolling till morning.
“Police patrolling needs to be increased across Salt Lake, especially at the entry points of blocks, like that in CR Park in Delhi. We will also discuss a proposal to reintroduce the old night guard system by handing over the responsibility to professional security agencies,” said Arunava Hazra, a resident of CD Block Committee.

Jayita Goswamiof AH Block in Salt Lake, where the robbery was attempted early on Monday, also pointed at the need for installing CCTV cameras in the neighbourhood. “There was a night patrolling system in our Block some years ago but that was withdrawn at some point. We will discuss the matter with the block committee and propose to reintroduce night patrolling and install CCTV cameras,” said Goswami.
Residents of several Blocks and representatives of multiple block committees TOI spoke to said there had been talks of installing CCTV cameras, especially after major crimes in the township, but it never materialized. “Thefts have taken place in our Block. We installed eight CCTV cameras at the BE Block community centre that covers the entire BE park. We plan to install wireless CCTV cameras at all the 10 entry points of the block to keep check of outsiders,” said BE Block Nagarik Sangha secretary Narottam Dutta.
Some block committees, like AE Block Samaj Kalyan Sangha, have their night patrol systems that run on minimal contribution from residents. “It would help if residents contribute to the block committees to help re-introduce the night guard system that will be alert and will keep an eye throughout the night,” Bidhannagar Welfare Association secretary Sarat Mullick.
Cops, who are on the lookout for the accused, said they had stressed the need for installing CCTV cameras by block associations. “Our duty is to secure the main thoroughfares and junctions with CCTV cameras but it is the duty of residents to secure their own neighbourhoods with surveillance cameras. It acts as a deterrent and also help track criminals,” said a senior Bidhannagar City Police officer.