According to the Chennai City Police, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras have been effective in bringing down crime rate in the southern suburbs.
A City Police inspector of the southern suburbs said the presence of CCTV camera had a psychological effect on criminals and therefore served as a deterrent.
The police have been installing CCTV cameras on important street junctions, in interior areas with heavy footfall and also at bus termini. Chromepet is a classic example where CCTV cameras have been installed at busy areas and junctions, including the Chromepet bus stand, TNHB Colony, Thangam Road, Durga Nagar and New Colony, a police official said.
The official also pointed out that CCTV cameras help the local police officials intensify their patrol duties in uncovered areas, as the localities in southern suburbs were normally big and residential accommodations spread out. The official said the CCTV system had played a key role in cracking several cases of crime including the latest firing at Sowcarpet where a businessman was killed.
Efforts to prevent drowning deaths
With the rising temperature, more number of people are visiting the Marina.
As a precautionary measure, the police have stepped up efforts to prevent drowning incidents at sea. “We are patrolling the beach and issuing warning alerts against venturing deep into the sea,” said a police officer from Marina Beach Police Station. Patrol vehicles, signboards and constant interaction with public are some of the measures taken to raise awareness.
“Apart from this, we have tied up with a few NGOs and got them to talk to the public and inform them about the risks, as most of those who visit beach during this time of the year come from other cities in the spirit of having fun but end up risking their lives,” he added.
S. Suraj Bala, a software professional, recalled an incident where a man, despite being warned by the police, ventured into the sea. “The man ventured deep in to the sea and began struggling for air. Luckily, local fishermen dived in and rescued him,” he said. “There is only so much we can do. The public needs to be more responsible,” said the officer.
(Reporting by R. Srikanth and Aditi R.)
