alert them about suspicious characters in their area in the absence of a foolproof security mechanism they fall prey to criminals who have kept an eye on their movements these two gruesome multiple murders have jolted bangalore impossible to digest apart from taking adequate steps to protect themselves they should help the police in tackling crime lifestyle has changed he is happy the figure this year hasnt crossed that of previous years identify houses where women and senior citizens stay alone vehicular population is growing the police must prepare themselves to counter this for instance there are just 350 policemen for 5 lakh residents in jayanagar but thats the finding of a parliamentary standing committee again for gain give them extra attention the rwas must play a proactive role and help create awareness and what do you think top cop shankar bidari has to say they have been doing their best given the limitations shortage of staff weapons ammunition vehicles gadgets may be thats his way of pacifying a shocked city corruption in the corridors of power has come down by 20 per cent in the last two years there is no need to panic the city is growing at an alarming rate in short only a collective effort can help tackle crime when a city grows at this rate crime too grows shall we then look forward to a corruptionfree administration in a few years increase patrolling in residential areas it appears bidari is more concerned about figures the only surviving member a 11yearold boy who was at the school during the crime is traumatized the police often become defensive and start reeling out statistics whenever they are questioned about growing crime the citizens too have a big role to play they must create an atmosphere where the citizens feel secure within 15 days in the same colony three elderly women are found clubbed to death parting shot swallow this be cautious about those who knock your door claiming to be courier staff salesmen raddiwalahs beggars etc have periodic meetings with resident welfare associations we are told its the result of steps taken by public sector undertakings to set up vigilance cells ask the government for more staff and better facilities mr bidari only if such cases are reported will citizens become security conscious and policemen be on their toes educate people on security measures keep tabs on domestic help drivers and gardeners this wont do dont open doors to strangers in many homes parents and grandparents stay alone with children pursuing their careers in other cities or abroad people have money to splurge once a pensioners paradise this fastgrowing metro appears to be gradually turning into a pensioners nightmare wide publicity given by the electronic and print media is responsible for the increased concern be in regular touch with the police initial inquiries point to crime for gain but the citizens are not convinced does he mean to say that the media should