New year shoppers told be extra vigilant

by Ananda Kannangara

The City Police yesterday warned New Year shoppers to be extra vigilant on pickpockets in busy streets and also cautioned motorists who park their vehicles in the city limits over unscrupulous elements hovering near vehicle parks.

According to a police, the public, especially shoppers should be aware of male and female pickpockets and snatch thieves that roam in the city during the festive season. Police media spokesman Ajith Rohana said an adequate number of police personnel have been deployed at market places, bus stands, railway stations and at busy streets in the city and other places to maintain law and order.

He said the public should be aware that pickpockets mingle with people to achieve their targets.

The Police media spokesman also warned the public to refrain from carrying excessive amounts of money and avoid wearing jewellery and other valuables when shopping.

A senior police officer of the Pettah Police also warned motorists to be very careful when parking vehicles and also at vehicle parks, since some undesirable characters were in the habit of loitering in the vicinity of vehicle parks to pilfer vehicle parts.

An incident in which two young boys were caught red handed by security personnel while opening a door of a brand new vehicle by using a duplicate key was reported recently at a vehicle park in Kollupitiya.