Drones to ensure crime-free Deepavali

With just a day left, streets leading to the temple town were crowded and a drone with a surveillance camera was being used at localities notified as crowded in the city, he added.

According to Devasirvatham, nearly 2,000 police personnel have been deployed to prevent property theft and chain snatching. Security cameras have been installed at more than 50 locations in crowded places. Further, he said CCTV and crime prevention teams have also been deputed exclusively and the personnel have undertaken intensive patrolling.

“However, criminals could target people who make last-minute purchases. Hence, people need to be alert,” Devasirvatham said. With the help of the public address system, instructions to stay careful are being aired. Besides, vehicular movement has been suspended through crowded streets of the bazaar area. During the Chithirai festival, a significant event in Madurai which attracts a huge crowd, drones are used as a crime prevention measure, Devasirvatham said.