New Delhi: Delhi, a city notorious for street crimes, has witnessed a significant decline in such cases this year, according to the latest police data.
Compared to the previous year, offences like snatchings were down by a substantial 15.6% while robberies decreased by 7% in 2024, the data shows. The city also witnessed a significant decline in the number of firearm-related crimes. According to the latest figures compiled by Delhi Police, the use of firearms in crimes was down 10% in 2024 compared to last year.
The crime data, which covers the period till Nov 30, reveals that the number of snatchings decreased from 7,256 cases in 2023 to 6,118 this year. Similarly, the number of robberies dropped from 1,514 cases in 2023 to 1,408 in 2024. In 2023, a total of 472 cases involving firearms were reported. In 2024, this number dropped to 428. This downward trend is a welcome respite for the city, which has struggled to curb the menace of gun violence.
Police attributed the decline to a range of steps that worked in containing street crimes. Implementation of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), rolled out by Union home minister Amit Shah on July 1 this year, is believed to have played a key role as it recognised snatching as a separate offence, which was previously lacking. Now, cops don't have to book snatchers in ‘police enacted sections' that combined theft and use of criminal force to register FIRs of snatchings.
Among the key measures was increased deployment of police personnel in high-crime areas, police said. Using artificial intelligence and advanced software, cops identified hotspots of snatchings and robberies, geotagged them and stationed additional personnel to provide enhanced security, sources said. This served as a deterrent for potential offenders and helped to reassure residents.
Another critical component of the policing strategy was the use of a robust network of CCTV cameras, said an officer. Police installed cameras at strategic locations, including busy intersections, marketplaces and residential areas. The footage from these cameras has been instrumental in identifying and apprehending perpetrators, as well as in preventing crimes.
"A consolidated effort was made to enhance security and vigilance in public spaces. The increased presence of police personnel, particularly in high-crime areas, likely played a crucial role in deterring potential offenders. Community policing and public engagement, besides increased patrolling and awareness campaigns, also aided the decline," said a senior officer.
The plan to integrate technology seamlessly with policing operations seems to have worked in enhancing the effectiveness of crime-control measures. Cops have been using applications for visual documentation through geotagged image uploads, which provides valuable insights and records for analysis.
"For instance, one app facilitates sharing of unmonitored areas and locations are highlighted on the map. Critical zones like schools, hospitals, crime hotspots are prioritised while real-time monitoring facilitates swift response to emergencies or deviations from patrol routes," an officer said.
"The decline in firearm-related crimes can be attributed to increased policing efforts, improved intelligence gathering and stricter laws regulating possession and use of firearms," a senior cop said.
However, cops acknowledged that gun violence remains a significant concern and efforts are needed to address it. "By continuing to prioritise community policing, intelligence-led policing and evidence-based investigation, Delhi can further reduce gun violence and make its citizens feel safer," said a retired police commissioner.