With Christmas festivities set to be celebrated across the city, 15,000 police personnel have been deployed in Chennai to ensure public safety and smooth celebrations, the Greater Chennai Police announced.
The heightened security arrangements come as large crowds are expected at churches, public spaces and popular gathering points during the Christmas period, particularly with midnight Mass services and festive events taking place on December 24 and 25. Key churches and religious sites — including Santhome Church in Mylapore, Annai Velankanni Shrine in Besant Nagar, St. Anthony’s Church in Parrys Corner and St. George’s Cathedral on Anna Salai — will be under strict surveillance, with officers on patrol and crowd management duties.
Police teams will conduct vehicle checks, patrols and surveillance to prevent theft, pickpocketing and other incidents in crowded areas. Officers in plain clothes will also move through busy zones to maintain crowd control and respond quickly to emergencies. Drones and CCTV cameras have been deployed at major locations to assist in monitoring and rapid response.
The security plan covers traffic management, crowd dispersal and checkpoints, particularly around high-footfall areas such as Marina Beach and major shopping hubs. Additional measures are expected to help ensure a safe and peaceful Christmas celebration for residents and visitors alike.
The Greater Chennai Police have urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement, follow safety instructions, and report any suspicious activity immediately.