CHENNAI: With Christmas and New Year celebrations around the corner, shopping has picked up in the city from Sunday, prompting the top brass of city police to beef up security arrangements at retail hubs across the city.
Around 200 police personnel have been deployed in all major shopping areas including T Nagar, Velachery, Tambaram, Mylapore, Purusawakkam and NSC Bose Road to deter criminal activity. “Apart from this, four and two-wheeler patrol vehicles are being deployed in these areas around the clock. This includes 365 four-wheeler and 403 two-wheeler patrol vehicles. In addition, around 30 policemen in civil clothes will monitor these shopping areas,” said a police officer.
Besides this, assistance booths will be opened where people who come for shopping can report crimes, and also seek help to track children who go missing in the crowd. Pre-recorded advisory messages on attention diversion, keeping their belongings safe etc will be played, and pamphlets detailing various crimes and also the ways people can protect themselves will be distributed.
“People should be aware that when they come shopping, they should avoid wearing jewellery and be alert about their possessions,” said a police officer.
There have been cases in the past where miscreants sprinkle itching powder in an attempt to steal valuables. Women have diverted the attention of shoppers who come with children while attempting to steal belongings. Police have warned the public to be careful of such attempts.