Mysuru: “Beware of child kidnappers… Beware of pickpockets… Beware of two-wheeler thieves… Beware of mobile snatchers… Beware of pocket-pickers… You are under CCTV surveillance!”

The Police Department installed these cautionary boards at various points, warning tourists and visitors who come in thousands for the Dasara festival.

Every year, lakhs of visitors from across India and abroad flock to Mysuru for Dasara. At night, crowds surge to witness the dazzling illumination. Such gatherings often give criminals opportunities to strike.

To prevent incidents, the Police have put up warning boards not only along the route of the grand Jumboo Savari procession, but also at venues like the Aahara Mela, Flower Show, Dasara Exhibition, Book Fair and Cake Show. The boards urge people to stay alert and safeguard their belongings.

With thousands gathering, there is also the risk of miscreants harassing women & young girls. While offenders may assume their actions go unnoticed, the Police have installed thousands of CCTV cameras that monitor movements like a hawk’s eye.

During Dasara, Mysuru city has around 34,000 cameras, both Police and private. If any untoward incident occurs, footage will be used to track down culprits. The boards serve as a visible reminder of surveillance.