PESHAWAR, Oct 6: The NWFP police chief has instructed all the deputy inspectors-general and district police officers in the province to take extraordinary security measures in their areas during Ramazan.

Inspector-General of Police Riffat Pasha said in his letter sent to the officials that it had been observed that the rate of crime increased during Ramazan and police should take extraordinary measures to protect the lives and property of people.

He said it was observed that outlaws became active during Ramazan, particularly a few days before Eidul Fitr, and tried to rob shoppers in markets and people on their way home in the evening.

He instructed the DPOs to increase security at main public places, including markets, banks and trade centres.

The officials were asked to take action against policemen found absent from their places of duty during the month.

He ordered increase in patrolling and formation of mobile teams to ensure law and order.

He ordered the officials to improve security around the general bus stands and discourage people from displaying weapon at public places. For this purpose, police should check vehicles, specially after Iftar, he said.

The public transport owners and mangers have been instructed to register national identity card numbers of passengers before reserving their seats.

Patrol pumps have been asked not to keep large amounts in cash with them after Iftar.

Police have been asked to identify those houses whose inmates go to other cities to celebrate Eid and take care of those.

Police have also been asked to increase raids on the houses of proclaimed offenders because they usually stay with their families during Ramazan and Eid.

ARRESTED: Peshawar police in a drive against outlaws arrested 343 proclaimed offenders and seized a large quantity of arms and narcotics from them, said a press release issued on Thursday.