Chennai: Ahead of Diwali, Greater Chennai Police have stepped up security to ensure the safety of shoppers across the city. They have deployed as many as 18,000 police personnel and implemented special surveillance measures, including drone cameras, watchtowers, facial recognition technology, and additional CCTV cameras, to prevent crime and manage crowds at major shopping centers.Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A Amalraj directed officials to strengthen security in crowded commercial areas, including T. Nagar, Pondy Bazaar, Purasawalkam, NSC Bose Road, MC Road, GA Road, Koyambedu and Anna Nagar, where large numbers of people are expected to gather for festival shopping.Authorities have established 25 temporary watchtowers at key locations: 10 in T. Nagar; four each in Flower Bazaar and Kilpauk; two each in Washermenpet, Triplicane, and Koyambedu; and one in Adyar. Additionally, 37 binocular surveillance teams have been deployed to monitor suspicious activities.Police have also established 12 temporary control rooms, 37 assistance centres and 10 mini CCTV control rooms. An additional 205 CCTV cameras have been installed at important locations, while 100 body-worn cameras are being used by personnel deployed for crowd management.Seven drone cameras have been deployed in T. Nagar, Flower Bazaar, Triplicane and Koyambedu to monitor crowded areas. Four large LED screens and 66 public address systems are being used to broadcast safety instructions and warnings against theft.In another security measure, 199 police teams equipped with a Facial Recognition System (FRS) mobile application have been deployed to identify and monitor suspected criminals and habitual offenders.Police personnel in plainclothes have also been stationed in shopping areas to prevent chain-snatching, pickpocketing and other crimes. Mobile X-ray baggage scanners are being used to check belongings at shopping malls and markets.
