VIJAYAWADA: As crimes in the city are increasing by the day, the citizens have come up with the idea of implementing ‘Neighbourhood Watch’, which aims at creating a sense of responsibility among people about their own safety rather than depending on the police.
“As more number of crimes like chain snatchings, thefts and attacks on women are being reported in residential areas, we are planning to execute ‘Neighbourhood Watch’. Mostly, people like children, women and senior citizens are becoming the victims of crimes. Instead of depending on the police, if the locals in a neighbourhood take up the responsibility and take care of each other, such crimes can be prevented,” said K Narasaiah, a resident of Moghalrajpuram and president of Citizens’ Council for City Development.
Like-minded individuals like Katragadda Narasaiah have joined hands with each other and formed the Citizens’ Council for City Development to work on the idea of creating awareness about the ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ concept. The members also submitted a memorandum to sub-collector S Nagalakshmi at Moghal Hall in Moghalrajpuram here Tuesday seeking support from the government in this regard.
“Due to the deteriorating family values and lack of responsible behaviour among people, many crimes are taking place. Shockingly, most of the crimes are being committed by anti-social elements in the broad daylight. If everyone in a locality or in public spaces feels responsible, then the miscreants will not resort to crimes,” explained Mothukuri Venkateshwara Rao.
It is a welcome move that the people are taking up the responsibility of ensuring one’s own safety in the city, said a senior police official. “The proposal has not yet been brought to our notice and we will examine it.”