Vizag Police to Use Short Films to Fight Cybercrime

Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi has announced a new public awareness campaign to tackle cybercrime in the city, as fraudsters continue to devise new ways to cheat unsuspecting people.

Despite repeated awareness drives, cybercrime remains a serious concern. The police have set up a dedicated cybercrime police station and deployed specialised officers. However, officials said the rapid growth of digital services and their widespread use have expanded opportunities for online fraud.

In most cases, offenders follow a familiar pattern. They pose as bank officials and obtain account or debit card details. They also impersonate officials from police stations, the CBI, or the Enforcement Directorate. Using threats of registered cases and “digital arrest”, they intimidate victims and siphon off money.

Police data highlights the scale of the problem. In 2023, police registered 409 cybercrime cases and arrested 70 accused. In 2024, the number stood at 374 cases, with 160 arrests. In 2025, cases dropped to 286, but arrests rose to 205.

In response, the Police Commissioner has decided to place greater emphasis on public awareness. Police studied past cases and identified possible future methods used by fraudsters. Based on these findings, short films are being produced to explain how cybercrimes occur and how people can protect themselves.

So far, shooting has been completed on 28 types of cybercrime. These will be edited into a one-hour programme and screened at cinema theatres, educational institutions, shopping malls, major junctions, and tourist locations. Officials said the initiative would be the first of its kind in the country.