The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Delhi Police to take stronger preventive measures against sexual crimes in the national capital, stressing the need to create a strong deterrent among those prone to committing such offences.

A Bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala said the police should focus on vulnerable areas, including colleges where female students are allegedly harassed by "hooligans", as well as unauthorised eateries where, according to the Court, anti-social elements gather and consume liquor.

The observations came during the Supreme Court's ongoing proceedings concerning sexual crimes reported in Delhi and surrounding areas, including the alleged gang rape of a minor on a sleeper bus.

The Court emphasised that unless potential offenders develop a fear of facing severe consequences for committing sexual crimes, such offences would continue.

"Unless and until you create that fear in the minds of unsocial elements that 'ab kuch kia toh mar jaenge', you will not be able to prevent such crimes," the Court observed.

Referring to a gang rape reported at a park in South Delhi, located around two kilometres from a girls' college, the Bench questioned the Delhi Police about the preventive measures taken in the area.

"It has been said people warned you about these people (criminals) even in this unfortunate case," Justice Pardiwala observed.

The Court stressed the need for coordinated preventive action and asked the police to provide information regarding the possibility of setting up a dedicated "war room" to tackle sexual crimes in the national capital.

"We want to make sure such crimes are stopped. We can make a difference if we work together," the Bench said.

The Court also suggested that the police explore mechanisms to track suspects through a national database of sexual offenders.

"Start concentrating on all aspects. It should not be that in the next four weeks more such incidents happen," the Court said.

The Bench specifically directed the police to focus on colleges and areas where young women may be vulnerable to harassment.

"There are hooligans who keep harassing girl students," the Court observed.

The Court also referred to the presence of unauthorised eateries across Delhi, observing that anti-social elements allegedly gather at such establishments and consume liquor.

The Bench recalled the 2012 Nirbhaya case while emphasising the need for stronger preventive policing, noting that the convicts in that case had also consumed alcohol before committing the crime.

The Supreme Court further urged the Delhi Police not to shy away from taking strict action, even if such measures lead to protests or opposition.

"We have to do this for the safety of young girls and women," the Court said.

The observations were made as the Supreme Court continued its monitoring of measures being taken to prevent sexual crimes in Delhi and surrounding areas.