916 cybercrime cases were registered in 2024, fraudsters siphoned off Rs.1,229 cr

Initiatives to tackle crime

■ The state has three cybercrime police stations, with plans to establish one in every district.

■ A new “Cyber Sheet” system for tracking repeat offenders will be implemented

■ Plans to integrate one lakh CCTV cameras with the Command and Control Center by March 31, 2024

■ One drone to be allocated per 10 police stations for monitoring remote areas and addressing cannabis cultivation

Technological Advancements:

■ AI-Powered Policing: Andhra Pradesh is the first Indian state to implement "Smart Police AI" for crime prevention and investigation.

■ CCTV Surveillance: Plans to integrate one lakh CCTV cameras with the Command and Control Center by March 31, 2024; currently, 25,000 cameras are operational.

■ Drone Deployment: One drone to be allocated per 10 police stations for monitoring remote areas and addressing cannabis cultivation.

■ Overall crime rate declined by 5.2%.

■ Property offenses saw a slight rise; road accidents decreased due to proactive measures.

■ 37 temple theft cases resolved; enhanced security for religious sites is underway.

Every district in Andhra Pradesh will soon have a cybercrime police station. A new “Cyber Sheet” system will be implemented for individuals involved in repeat cyber offenses, akin to the rowdy sheets maintained for traditional criminals

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Cybercrime is emerging as a pressing concern in Andhra Pradesh, with an alarming rise in cases reported this year, said Director General of Police (DGP) Dwaraka Tirumala Rao during the release of the Annual Crime Report for 2024. Speaking to media on Saturday, he highlighted that while the overall crime rate in the state saw a 5.2% decline, cybercrimes have recorded a significant surge, posing new challenges for law enforcement.

The DGP stated that a total of 916 cybercrime cases were registered in 2024, where fraudsters siphoned off Rs.1,229 crores through various cyber scams this year. The rise in “digital arrest” scams, where criminals intimidate individuals into transferring money, was particularly concerning.

In regard to misuse of social media cases, authorities have registered 572 cases for objectionable posts on social media.

DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said, “Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in India to implement “Smart Police AI.” This system, piloted in Eluru district, assists law enforcement from crime registration to case investigation.”

Furthermore for enhancing surveillance, one lakh CCTV cameras will be integrated with the state’s Command and Control Center, by March 31st. Currently, 25,000 cameras are operational. Plans are underway to deploy one drone for every 10 police stations.

This year 37 temple theft cases were successfully solved and additional security measures, including enhanced CCTV surveillance, are being implemented at vulnerable locations.As the DGP concluded, he reiterated the department's commitment: “Whether it is cybercrime, property theft, or temple security, Andhra Pradesh police will leave no stone unturned to protect the rights and safety of the people.”