Overall, we have seen a decrease in the number of criminal cases and an increase in the detection: Brijesh Singh

In your observation, when you took charge as the AdlCP of North zone in February, what were some of the most prevalent crimes that required immediate attention?
Chain snatching incidents and violent crimes like murder were at an all-time rise. Property crimes such as motor vehicle theft and burglary were also common. A lot of gangs operate in and around the area and our focus was to bust these gangs, which would automatically lead to reduction in such kind of crimes. We identified vulnerable areas, strengthened vigilance and also ensured that repeat offenders do not get bail. This way, we were able reduce crimes over the last six months. We also ensured better detection for every case registered and took preventive actions against several history sheeters.

Can you compare the current crime situation to previous years?
Except for house break-ins and petty theft cases, we have seen a decrease in the number of cases and an increase in the detection. Chain snatching cases this year have been 213 in the first six months, as compared to 257 for the same period last year. Motor vehicle thefts has reduced by 51. While it was a whopping 393 last year, it has come down to 342 this year. Cases of theft and extortion have also reduced. Murders have come down, with only 14 cases registered this year as compared to 18 last year. However, incidents of house break-ins have increased from 245 last year to 262 this year. The number of petty cases like mobile thefts, quarrels, etc have increased enormously. That apart, drives against drug addicts have been going strong. We have registered 864 cases this year, as against 43 last year. We have taken several measures including 41 cases against criminal gangs under IPC section 401 (punishment for belonging to criminal gang), preventive arrests, refusal to give bail to repeat offenders and civil uniform patrolling in vulnerable areas.

What were some of the steps taken to reduce chain-snatching and going forward, what actions do you plan to take?
While chain-snatching cases were on the rise for several years, this year, we managed to reduce it by 17%. We started a drive where we cracked into a lot of chain-snatching gangs that operate in the region. We checked 398 chain-snatchers with previous records, of which we took preventive action against 111. We have also patrolled history sheeters who help us identify other snatchers. We are also trying to bust colonies where these gangs live and operate out of. We also visit societies and senior citizen associations to give them tips on self protection as snatchers usually target them. Patrolling is strict in vulnerable areas like desolate spots, temples and parks.

What are the steps taken to ensure safety of women and senior citizens in the region?
Safety of women has been our priority. The number of rape cases have increased, but that is because more women are coming forward to lodge a complaint. We have identified spots that are considered unsafe and have deployed more officers there. As far as safety in crowded places like railway stations is concerned, we are coordinating with railway officials. Any cases of alleged rape or molestation is taken on a priority basis even if cases appear technical – which 90% of the time.

House break-ins are also the rise. Are there any citizen-police drives being initiated?
We are trying to increase detection. We are visiting societies to enhance their security measures, including CCTV surveillance and asking them to take adequate safety precautions before they leave town, which is in when most thefts happen. We have appealed to not keep valuables at home. We conduct meetings on the do's and dont's and have also increased surveillance in strategic locations.

Crime Data (North region)

Crime registered in 2014 (till june) registered in 2013 (till june) detected in 2014 detected in 2013
Murder 14 18 13 16

Chain snatching 213 257 86 123
HBT (day and night) 262 245 87 95

Motor vehicle theft 342 392 64 90
Thefts 487 500 108 179

Extortion 13 22 11 21