The Police Department is all set to install electronic security and surveillance system in tourist spots across the state. A fund of `2 crore has been sanctioned by the Home Department for this purpose.
According to police officials, the decision has been taken in the light of the rising number of cases of crime against foreigners and domestic tourists in the state. “We have prepared a list of some 20 tourist spots which are frequented by foreign and domestic tourists. Electronic security and surveillance system would be installed in these places.
Some of the tourist attractions like Fort Kochi, Kollam and Mattancherry are already under electronic surveillance. The system comprises CCTV cameras which would be connected to police stations located in tourist places. Besides, an advanced patrolling vehicle would be purchased for the tourist police,” a top police official said in Kochi.
Police officials said that installation of the surveillance system would be done in different phases. In the first phase, important tourist places would be covered and later it would be extended to other tourist destinations in the state as well. The fund of `2 crore allotted by the Home Department is for the initial expenses of the project. Police officials said that the project would be completed by March next year if all goes to plan.
In recent times, there has been a spate of incidents of crime against foreign tourists in the state. Majority of the cases are of molestation and cheating.
Tourist Police officials in Fort Kochi, where surveillance system is already installed, said that they could nab higher number of culprits using the CCTV cameras and that the system has given them more power to keep tourists safe.
“Besides, unlike earlier, a high number of police officials not required for patrolling the Fort Kochi area. Sitting at the control room, we can monitor entire Fort Kochi area,” a police official said.