Panchkula: In the wake of increasing incidents of robberies in this Haryana district bordering Chandigarh, the local police have decided to launch a campaign to make people aware of a scheme to escort people withdrawing money.

Under the scheme, anyone can demand a security cover from the police while going to withdraw Rs.100,000 or above from a bank.

"This scheme is already there but very few residents have used this option. Lack of awareness among the people could be one of the major reasons behind this," city police chief Sandeep Khirwar told IANS Monday.

He said the police will hold seminars at various banks and resident welfare associations of the city to increase awareness of the scheme.

The scheme was launched in Panchkula in June 2008 but till date, only five people have used it.

Khirwar said the procedure was also very simple as anyone who wants police protection just needs to call the police control room or the superintendent of police's office, following which the police officials will immediately contact the applicant and provide security cover when they go to withdraw the money.

Nikunj Bhasin, secretary of Panchkula residents' welfare association said: "We appreciate and welcome this initiative of police but the attitude of police personnel could be one of the reasons behind the lukewarm response to this campaign."

"Police also need to change their image if they want full cooperation from the masses. Normally people are afraid of approaching the police and most of the times try to avoid their intervention," he added.

 

Source : ians