Crime rate at Marine Drive takes a dive as police intensify patrolling

The notion that crime rates drop or criminals and anti-social elements are deterred by visible police presence has been re-affirmed by statistics made available under RTI for the Marine Drive stretch by Mumbai police.

A hot-spot for not just local but also foreign tourists, it has seen a drop in registered crime cases by nearly 50 per cent after the number of beat marshals patrolling the area has been almost doubled this year. The RTI application was filed by DNA.

As per details provided by police (see box), from 241 cases registered in 2016, the figure is down to 98 in 2017 as of August. 

"Even if 20-odd cases are to be registered in the coming two months, the crime rate is still significantly less," said Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, deputy commissioner of police (zone 1), which looks after policing of the Marine Drive stretch.

The stretch starts from Nariman Point and goes all the way up to Mafatlal bridge. "We have point-to-point patrolling. The distance between any two points is not more than 300m. Beat marshals walk the stretch, patrol by cycle, use Segways, and also police vans. 

Patrolling is more in the morning and evening hours. It is a little relaxed between 10 am to 4 pm because there is not much crowd. 

But at any given time, there are policemen," said Sharma.

Praising the move of extra security, Anil Bhatia, resident of Marine Drive and honorary secretary of Marine Drive Council, which calls itself an association of various groups, said, "It is an excellent move by police. With people working in shifts and more people coming to Marine Drive in the night, this was required. People come speeding on bikes, snatch valuables and commit other criminal acts."

Police said increase in patrolling started mainly in 2016 to curb certain crimes, and a murder that took place. "Eve teasing, purse and mobile theft, drug-peddlars, beggars and hawkers were the big issues. We decided to increase the number last year when there was a murder. A person who provided massage services got friendly with a person and then started visiting his home. That person was murdered and we found out that one massaging was responsible. We have acted against hawkers also because, in the guise of selling food items or other things, people would be distracted and their belongings were stolen," said Sharma.

When asked about the figures being less in 2013, Sharma said, "Sometimes people do not come and complain. But since there was a steady rise, officials decided to have more patrolling and that effect is being welcomed.