Any Divisional Police Officer (DPO) that fails to stop phone snatching in broadlight in their jurisdiction risks facing sanctions, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has warned.
The CP issued the warning during an early morning meeting with all Area/Squadron/Tactical Commanders and DPOs on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Benjamin Hundeyin disclosed in a statement.
Hundeyin said the CP has received with concern reports that young men in certain parts of Lagos State seize passersby’s phones to extort them despite the sustained raids being carried out by officers and men of the command.
“CP Fayoade has, therefore, directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) especially in identified areas to redouble security architecture and enhance their neighborhood and foot patrol within their areas of responsibility (AORs) to tackle this emerging menace,” the police spokesman said.
“The CP has further warned that any officer in whose AOR such an incident occurs again would be severely sanctioned, assuring that the Command remains unrelenting in its resolve and determination to continue to stamp out, and make the public space hot for criminal elements.
“The Lagos State Police Command uses this opportunity to commend everyone who brought this menace to the notice of relevant authorities and further encourages all Lagosians to continue to say something when they see something.”
Hundeyin said the CP also ordered the immediate prosecution of 303 suspects arrested over the weekend during raids across the state, after a careful screening process.