ISLAMABAD: The capital police have decided to take strict action against traders over ‘weak and unproductive’ security arrangements around their business centres.

An official of the police told Dawn that the decision was taken keeping in view the increase in crime against property — robbery, burglary, theft and auto-theft. All station house officers (SHOs) have been directed to identify shops and business centres dealing in valuables or large amount of cash.

Besides, the SHOs were directed to asked the traders to enhance security measures at their business centres to avoid robbery, burglary and theft. In the first phase, petrol pumps, jewellery shops, malls, easy paisa and easy load shops are being inspected by the police.

The SHOs are holding meeting with these traders and asking them to hire security guards, install CCTV cameras and iron frames. After the meetings, they will be asked to follow the directives.

In case of their failure, notices will be served on them before initiating action under the Shops and Security Act.

There has been an increase in crime against property in the capital, the official said, adding during the current month at least 12 robberies, five burglaries, 45 incidents of auto thefts, seven incidents of theft in houses, five incidents of theft by servants, five incidents of assault or criminal force in an attempt to commit theft of property took place in the city.Keeping in view the situation, the police started asking the traders for ensuring security measures.

When contacted, Station House Officer Inspector Asjad Mehmood told Dawn that the step was taken to counter crime against property. Meetings were held with the staff of petrol pumps during which they were asked to enhance their security, he added.

Weak and poor security measures were spotted in the filling stations and the staffers were asked to installed CCTV cameras or repair the out-of-order cameras, he said, adding they were also asked not to keep large amount of cash at the filling stations.

A three-day deadline was given to all the petrol pumps to follow the instructions otherwise a report against them under the Shop and Security Act will be sent to the assistant commissioner concerned for further action.Mega stores, jelwellery shops, easy paisa and load shops will also be asked to enhance security measures, the SHO said.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2020