Chalong police are currently working on enhancing collaboration with local people, the Chief of Crime Suppression section in Chalong, Pol Maj Pachai Matthayan, told a meeting with Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha today (August 30).
Chalong police have already defined the various zones in their area, and are gathering more information to complete the plan.
Reporting on progress in Patong, Pol Maj Nikorn Chutong said the town has now been divided into six zones, with 12 officers stationed in each.
Police have also tightened their control of movement in and out of their town by setting up check points at the eastern “gateway” in front of Wat Suwankiriwong, at the northern entrance where the beach road meets Prabaramee Rd, and at the southern end of the town.
These check points will keep an eye on activity, especially between 7.30pm to 4.30am when crimes most often occur.
On August 17, Kathu police arranged a parade to encourage local business people to get involved in watching over Patong.
One part of this was aimed at persuading businesses to install CCTV camera on their buildings. In their presentation to the meeting, Kathu police reported that there are 33 CCTV cameras belonging to various local authorities in the six zones, but only nine of these actually work.
In addition, police counted 183 CCTV cameras installed by local businesses people in the six zones. All of these are functioning.
“We’ve encouraged the improvement of existing CCTV cameras, either by suggesting they be replaced with better quality equipment, or by recommending adjusting the angle so that they look out over public areas,” said a Deputy Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, Pol Col Peerayuth Karajaedee.