2 min readNew DelhiJul 19, 2011 01:31 AM IST
First published on: Jul 19, 2011 at 01:31 AM IST
In the knowledge that 90 per cent of street crimes in the Capital are perpetrated by youngsters,police are trying to turn their attention to more constructive activities,such as sports. Officers say most of these youths are below the age of 25,and hail from economically weaker backgrounds.
In a first-of-its-kind community policing project to be implemented shortly,the Delhi Police has written to several civic agencies,recommending setting up of parks and playgrounds in and around unauthorised colonies to train “potential criminals” in sports.
The initiative came after an analysis suggested that 90 per cent of street crimes in the Capital are perpetrated by youths from a low socio-economic background. “We have identified Outer,Northwest and East Delhi as areas to begin with. These places have the largest number of resettlement colonies,where incidents of petty street crimes are on a high. Through community policing,we intend to turn their attention towards recreational activities such as cricket,wrestling and football,among other sports,” said Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ranjit Narayan. The project has been in the pipeline for the last three months,he added.
Police are also looking at ways in which youths can engage themselves in meaningful monetary pursuits,which would prevent them indulging in crimes to make easy money.
Narayan said that while civic agencies were cooperating with their efforts,former sportsmen such as Prem Nath — a retired international wrestler who won many laurels for the country — have agreed to train the youth. More such trainers are being approached for the project,which will take off soon,said Narayan.
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