Lucknow: Police have announced a citywide security and surveillance plan ahead of the festive rush expected during Dhanteras, Diwali, Bhai Dooj and Chhath Puja, with measures ranging from drone monitoring in crowded areas to a focused campaign against cyber fraud tied to online shopping and digital payments.At a high-level review meeting held on Wednesday, police commissioner Tarun Gauba directed senior officers to intensify patrolling, strengthen market security and ensure a visible police presence across all police station limits throughout the festive period. The meeting was attended by deputy commissioners of police, assistant commissioners of police and station house officers from across the city.A major element of the plan is technology-driven monitoring. Drones and other surveillance tools will be used to keep watch over crowded markets, commercial hubs, religious sites and other sensitive locations. Police have also been instructed to ensure that CCTV cameras installed at key intersections, marketplaces and identified vulnerable points remain functional round the clock.With increased reliance on e-commerce and cashless transactions during the season, Gauba flagged the rise in cybercrime and ordered personnel to sensitise traders and residents about common fraud patterns, including fake shopping offers, suspicious payment links and OTP-related scams. Cybercrime units have been told to respond promptly to complaints.Police said additional forces and pickets will be deployed in major markets, shopping malls and jewellery establishments. Plainclothes staff will also be positioned to deter pickpocketing, chain snatching and other street crimes. For women’s safety, Mission Shakti and Anti-Romeo squads have been directed to maintain continuous patrols in markets and public areas, with women police personnel posted at crowded locations.The commissioner also ordered strict surveillance of anti-social elements and monitoring of social media for rumours or inflammatory content that could disturb communal harmony. Special drives will target drunk driving, speeding, dangerous driving and motorcycle stunts, while teams will keep watch on locked houses and residential colonies to prevent burglaries.
