PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Shoppers and shopkeepers have expressed concern over a recent theft incident at a footwear shop in the city market in the Tehsil Chowk area near Paltan Bazaar, where a woman was caught on camera stealing footwear. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media.
Both shopkeepers and shoppers stated that such incidents create a sense of insecurity in the market area and called on the authorities to increase security. “Today it’s a shopkeeper’s store; tomorrow it could affect shoppers like us,” commented one shopper.
The Doon Valley Mahanagar Udyog Vyapar Mandal (DVMUVM) emphasised that the proper functioning of the pink booth is crucial in curbing such incidents. The Mandal plans to meet with the Dehradun senior superintendent of police to demand measures to prevent future thefts.
A shopkeeper, who requested anonymity stated that this incident is indeed alarming. He said that it could lead to more thefts in their shops as well. “For the safety of our shop, cameras are already installed. However, the security of the market area is everyone’s responsibility; the authorities should oversee this matter. Police patrolling in the market area should be increased,” he suggested.
A frequent visitor to the bustling Paltan Bazaar, Poonam Bisht said that the high foot traffic in the market makes security measures all the more important. “The recent theft incident could happen to us too. This is not an isolated case; similar incidents have occurred in the past. The police and administration must collaborate to enhance security in this busy market to prevent such incidents,” she added.
Many other shopkeepers and shoppers have also voiced their concerns about enhancing security, especially in Paltan Bazaar. DVMUVM president Pankaj Mason said that cameras are installed in the market. He pointed out that crowded areas are particularly vulnerable to such incidents. “It is also the individual responsibility of both shopkeepers and shoppers to take care of their belongings,” he said. Masson added, “However, the pink booth in Paltan Bazaar, which has not been functioning properly at present, could help curb these incidents. A few days ago, we approached the Dehradun SSP. We will once again meet with the SSP and request that the booth be operational and at least one female and one male personnel be stationed there to help prevent such thefts and other related incidents,” he added.
