Dog walkers not picking up poo and litterbugs are being targeted by shaming loudspeakers.
The 24-hour surveillance system is already up and running in a well-trodden square in the city centre.
More cameras and loudspeakers will eventually be installed in other squares, parks, and walkways throughout the city.
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The footage from the CCTV cameras is monitored live and around the clock.
If control room operators notice acts of vandalism or other infractions, they immediately chide the offenders over the loudspeaker system.
If their bad behaviour continues, a neighbourhood safety team is called in, and, if necessary, the police are alerted.
Members of the public can expect a stern telling-off if they fail to to pick up dog poo or litter.
They will also be warned if they walk on the grass or pick flowers.
Vandals will be targeted too.
The system is up and running in San Martín Square in San Miguel de Tucumán, north of Cordoba, Argentina.
The Orwellian initiative is being led by local mayor Rossana Chahla, as reported by Need To Know.
Lourdes Alderete, who directs the monitoring centre, told local media: “The main aim is simply to raise awareness so that people look after public spaces.”
And undersecretary for public safety Mariela Cortez said: “It’s common, for example, for people to walk on the grass or steal plants, but there are also more serious incidents, like the theft of cables and streetlights.
“These are big investments made by the municipality, and sometimes they need to be replaced three, four, or even five times, when that money could be better spent on other neighbourhoods or public spaces.”
In a video posted by the local authorities, a control room operator could be heard announcing: “Your peace of mind is our priority.
“Remember, this area is under 24-hour surveillance by the Municipal Operations and Monitoring Centre.”
The video cuts to a clip of a woman about to uproot some greenery.
A chastising voice could be heard saying: “Excuse me, madam in the grey jacket, please don’t pull up the plants.”
The woman promptly obeyed the command.
The video then cuts to a hooded man apparently graffitiing a bench.
The voice said: “Sir in the black jacket, we’re monitoring you.”
The troublemaker then ran away.
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