Audio CDs to alert citizens on safety at malls, railway stations

The next time you are in a mall, market or have finished namaz in a mosque, don’t be surprised if you hear a one-minute audio recording about how to be safe and fight terror.

In a bid to create awareness and alert the citizens, zone XI of the Mumbai Police have come up with a one-of-its-kind initiative in the areas between Goregaon and Dahisar.

The police have recorded messages in CDs which will be distributed in malls, temples, mosques, stations and busy markets which will be played to create awareness among citizens.

According to Mahesh Patil, DCP of Zone 11, the messages would be about precautions and measures that a citizen should take if encountered with different situations. The CDs would be played at regular intervals in busy public spots.

The message will announce which number to call if citizens find unattended vehicles or packages. It will also brief citizens on how to be aware of chain snatchers and pickpockets in crowded areas, how to take on eve-teasers, how to take care of their belongings and the police helplines one can call in case of trouble.

“Most people are unaware of what to do and how to react in different situations,” Patil said. There will be an emphasis on women’s and children’s safety with information on SMS, phone and online helplines.”This is part of anti-terror measures. We had a meeting with the commissioner of police recently where we mooted the idea,” said Patil.

“We are in the process of distributing the CDs. The pilot project will start in the busy areas in Malad and Borivli in the next two days,” he added.

“We are targeting at playing them between prayers in mosques and temples and even in malls and stations. It is high time that police and citizens came together and fought crimes. This will go a long way in ensuring safety of citizens.”

@radhika1705