New Delhi, Oct 19 (IANS): Security has been tightened in Delhi along the border with Haryana which will go to polls on Monday.

A joint commissioner-level officer of Delhi Police told IANS: "The criminals will try to pass into Delhi after committing crimes in Haryana during elections. That is why Delhi Police has decided to beef up security along the border."

The police have erected barricades at several entry points and CCTVs have been made functional in all areas to monitor the activities and movement of suspected criminals.

Further, a Delhi Police officer, on condition of anonymity, said, "we are also keeping an eye on the policemen deployed along the border so that anti-social elements should not take advantage of any negligence."

The immediate advantage due to the tightening of security was that a large number of criminals belonging to both Haryana and Delhi were apprehended and a cache of illicit liquor was seized from areas in South West Delhi, particularly those close to Dwarka. This has also led to reduction of crime rates in the national capital.

"It was absolutely necessary to beef up the security. Criminals get active during election time. We have witnessed a reduction of crime rate after we tightened security along the border," Delhi Police spokesman Anil Mittal told IANS.

He said increased vigilance by Delhi Police has been able to instil fear among criminals.