The country's Police Administration is conferring with foreign partners for the provision of state-of-the-art equipment, which would enable victims of various crimes to identify suspects covertly on screens to help protect their identity. Speaking at press conference in Kumasi, DCOP Jonathan Yakubu, Director-General in-charge of Police Operations described the current method which exposes victims to their assailants for further attacks, as crude, saying that the move was part of measures to give protective cover to those who help to identify criminals. He, however, did not indicate the actual time when the equipment would be arriving but said they were expected soon since arrangement for their provision had reached an advanced stage. Touching on the current crime wave, DCOP Yakubu said its alarming dimensions is a source of worry to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and announced that stringent measures are being put in place to curb the spate. He warned hotel operators and landlords to be vigilant and strive to report tenants with suspicious characters to the police for prompt action. DCOP Yakubu further cautioned Mallams who connive with armed robbers by providing them with 'talisman', amulets and other objects as protection to enable them carry out their nefarious activities to desist from the practice. He said the police would be ruthless against such Mallams if they are caught, adding that it was high time they devoted their time to the work of Allah and not condone evil practices. He entreated private security firms and agencies to desist from arming their personnel with offensive weapons since the practice was illegal. Source: GNA