Ludhiana traders seek security, police lay down rules.

Ludhiana: Police have ordered city traders to upgrade private surveillance networks and screen employees in a bid to combat a surge in commercial thefts and street crime.

Ludhiana police commissioner, Swapan Sharma, issued the directive during an emergency security summit at Police Lines on Monday, following mounting pressure from local business associations over rising retail crime and traffic congestion.

Representatives from various traders’ organisations detailed a wave of recent store break-ins, snatchings, and suspicious loitering around commercial hubs, which they claim are damaging local commerce. Business owners also cited gridlocked market parking as a primary catalyst for deteriorating public safety.

In response, Sharma committed to increasing police visibility and enforcement around major retail sectors. However, he stressed that public safety requires a dual approach, ordering business owners to immediately optimize their security measures.

Under the new directives, traders must maintain high-definition CCTV coverage overlooking public walkways, improve external lighting in commercial zones, and conduct mandatory background verification for all workers and staff.

Sharma also ordered local station commanders to establish permanent liaison channels with market boards to ensure faster response times. Traders were instructed to bypass standard bureaucratic channels and report suspicious activity or traffic bottlenecks directly to dedicated police control rooms.