PUNE: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has installed over 60 CCTV cameras on the premises of the Swargate state transport (ST) stand over the last 15 days to curb the nuisance of thefts and other crimes.Senior inspector Ashok Kadam told TOI that the measures were adopted to avert crimes during the festive season at the ST stand. “No crimes were reported on the ST stand premises during the Diwali rush this year, as compared to six incidents last year,” he said.The authorities have also enhanced the police presence at the bus terminus. “We have installed CCTV cameras on all the entry and exit points including platforms where buses pick up or drop passengers. No crimes were reported on the premises in the last one week,” an officer from MSRTC said.The majority of the cameras were installed where most incidents of theft have been reported in the past. The areas include platforms where buses for Satara, Solapur, Kolhapur, Sangli, Jejuri and Baramati are parked. “It was crucial to cover these sections first. Cameras have also been installed in front of platforms where buses for Mumbai are parked along with a few spots in the workshop,” the official said.The authorities have also erected boulders on entry points of the erstwhile prepaid autorickshaw stand to block suspects on motorcycles, who use the vacant area to enter the ST stand and to escape after snatching a bag or chain. The police have also shoved away the roadside handcarts, which were used as shelters by the suspects. “It has also eased the vehicular movement in the busy chowk,” the official added.Each year, about 20 to 25 incidents of theft are reported at the ST stand premises. The authorities have also decided to keep the premises illuminated throughout the night to further avert crimes.

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