Traders in Chandni Chowk, a bustling market in old Delhi, have found a technological solution to combat the rising incidents of robbery. They are now installing GPS devices on their cash bags and jewellery boxes in order to track stolen items. This move is expected to provide an effective check on snatching incidents.
Recent incidents of robbery have prompted the traders to take action. In one incident, a delivery agent was robbed of Rs 4 lakh ($5,345) by unidentified individuals inside the Pragati Maidan tunnel. In another incident, a businessman was looted of Rs 4.5 lakh ($6,029) and his scooter in north Delhi’s Kashmere Gate. These incidents have raised concerns among the traders, who deal with daily transactions amounting to lakhs of rupees, making them vulnerable to robberies.
Yogesh Singhal, the president of the Bullion and Jewellers Association, explained the functionality of the GPS devices. He said, You can fit this GPS device to your bag, put it in the middle of bundles of notes, or keep it in a jewellery box. It will keep telling the location on your phone in case of a robbery. With the help of this device, police can easily reach the location and arrest the accused along with finding the stolen goods.
The GPS devices used by the traders have real-time tracking capabilities and provide highly accurate location information. Singhal further highlighted that the devices are monitored through satellites, allowing the location of the device to be seen all over India. The records can be accessed for up to six months.
Traders in Chandni Chowk have expressed relief and satisfaction with the use of GPS devices. The market is known as jewellers’ street due to the numerous jewellery shops lining its main alley at Sarafa Bazaar. The implementation of GPS technology has brought a sense of security to the traders, who are optimistic about its effectiveness in deterring robberies.
A trader, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, We always live in fear, anticipating robberies. Everybody is aware that the market is witness to transactions worth lakhs of rupees, thus making the place an easy target. The GPS device will certainly help us.
By utilizing GPS technology to protect their valuable goods, the traders in Chandni Chowk are taking a proactive approach to safeguard their businesses and ensure the safety of their transactions. With the ability to track stolen items and alert the police, the GPS devices offer a sense of security and peace of mind to the traders in this bustling market.
