Balasore, Aug. 12: Inspector general of police (eastern range) Aseet Panigrahi flagged off a mobile patrolling unit and a police control room here today.

Launching the service, Panigrahi said: "It has been introduced for quick response to any situation."

The service will cover Balsore town and its periphery.

"We will review the performance - service, calls received, attended and fake calls - on a monthly basis. We will introduce the service to other towns in the district if the initial service is successful," he said.

Balasore superintendent of police Niti Sekhar said: "We have deployed six bikes and two existing PCR vans, capable of reaching any location within five minutes for effective patrolling in the town and its periphery."

"The bike squad would help to contain petty crimes such as snatching, looting and incidents of eve-teasing," he said. Six motorcycles with two policemen each have been engaged. They will be deployed after the town is divided into four zones. While two bikes will be positioned in the town and Sahadevkhunta, one each will be deployed for industrial and periphery patrolling.

The round the clock service will be manned in three shifts. Emergencies can be reported by calling on 9439471045 as well as 100. All the bikes are equipped with sirens and weapons and connected with the control room.

"The PCR bike service will improve patrolling. Criminals can be chased and caught in the by-lanes and narrow roads," said Prabir Sahu, a resident of the town.