Police to keep close watch on danger spots

Deserted houses or buildings, rarely used pedestrian bridges, under-lit bus stops, temporary quarters for wage workers or areas with high bushes are considered the most risky.

"Senior officers are expected to ensure that their subordinates patrol the spots regularly, especially late at night and at daybreak," police spokesman Colonel Piya Utayo said yesterday.

On October 7, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt-General Worapong Chiewpreecha instructed his deputies, commanders of metropolitan police divisions, commanders of Metropolitan Police Bureau's Patrol and Special Operations Division as well as the General-Staff Division to keep an eye on the risky spots.

There are 88 police stations across Bangkok, with 15 to 20 spots in each area deemed risky.

Apart from strict patrols, the policemen are also asked to work with government agencies, state enterprises, private operators, taxi-motorcycle drivers, public-transport van drivers and volunteers in a bid to boost safety in Bangkok.

Inspectors are also required to knock on the door of at least two houses during each shift, while police commanders and superintendents must visit communities in their areas at least once a week.

"We want to assure people that we can protect them and their property," Piya said.

According to an informed source, a report at the Metropolitan Bureau revealed that many patrolmen failed to check all spots under their jurisdiction.

The report added that several deputy superintendents also failed to adequately supervise patrol operations.

Yesterday Piya urged people to lodge complaints with the police or alert officers if they witnessed any crimes. "Your information can make our society safer," he said.