Chennai Police Commissioner A.K. Viswanathan on Saturday said the number of crimes had come down considerably wherever closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were functioning.

In view of the festival season, the city police have installed CCTV cameras and other electronic devices in several busy areas, including T. Nagar, Purasalwakkam and Sowcarpet.

Cameras were set up on 20 streets in Pudupet. Mr. Viswanathan inaugurated the facility in the presence of Additional Commissioner M. Sarangan and Deputy Commissioners.

Later, talking to reporters, Mr. Viswanathan said, “The installation of cameras will be extended to other areas as well. The number of crimes has reduced considerably in areas where the cameras are functioning.”