Theft incidents go up in the city

Officials and experts agree that curbing such crimes in the city requires a collaborative effort between the authorities and citizens.

Recent Karnataka State Police data revealed a 27 percent increase in theft incidents in the city over the previous years. As of August 2023, around 6,800 incidents of theft have already been reported, with 1,230 cases in August alone. In 2022, approximately 7,600 incidents were reported. In 2020, there were 5,332 reported theft incidents and this number grew to 6,066 in 2021.

Srinivasan, a victim of a mobile snatching incident, recounted how his phone was snatched from his hand as he was boarding a crowded bus two months ago. “The chaos and density of the crowd prevented me from identifying the culprit. Though I immediately filed a complaint with the police, I did not receive any updates from them, and I failed to pursue the matter further,” he said. This experience has made him more vigilant about safeguarding his belongings and being cautious in crowded environments to prevent similar incidents from happening again, he added.

Surya, a working professional, while narrating his encounters with attempted pickpocketing said that he had sensed numerous efforts of individuals attempting to steal his mobile phone or wallet while commuting on crowded public transport. “I’ve had multiple instances where I’ve felt someone trying to snatch my belongings,” he said. Expressing his reservations about confronting potential thieves in such situations he said, “It is challenging to get the support of the public at such times because everyone is either in a hurry and preoccupied with their activities or do not want to get involved.”

Shreya, a college student, sharing her approach to keeping her belongings safe while travelling said, “Since I am aware of potential theft attempts, I only carry essential items while travelling. I also constantly ensure that my purse and mobile phone are with me securely.”

Vivek, a working professional, expressed that he would report any theft incident should he ever become a victim. “I would certainly file a complaint. However, I would opt for the convenience of the online portal over a visit to the police station to minimise the hassle and save time,” he said.

Pritam Kumar Ghosh, Assistant Professor at the School of Law, R.V. University, explained that theft, classified as a punishable offence under Section 379 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), falls under the broader category of robbery. “However, it is important to note that theft typically occurs without the knowledge of the victim and does not involve the same level of fear or physical harm as robbery. This makes it challenging for the victims to react and resist immediately,” he said.

Bheemsen Ghatage, Police Sub Inspector, Cubbon Park, said that theft includes a range of criminal activities such as housebreaking, thefts from stores and construction sites, snatching valuables, and motor vehicle theft. “Commercial establishments witness a lower incidence of theft compared to residential areas due to their enhanced security measures,” he said.

Instances of thefts of items such as cigarette packets from small shops and construction materials like iron rods from work sites are frequently reported, he said. Among motor vehicle thefts, two-wheelers are the primary targets, often made easier for thieves by owners who leave their keys in the vehicle. “It is crucial that individuals exercise greater caution in these matters,” he added.

Snatching of valuables such as mobile phones is more common in public transport and on footpaths, he said. “Usually, these incidents occur when individuals are engaged in phone calls, checking maps, or waiting for a booked cab,” he said. Snatchings are most common during the early morning hours, between 5 and 7 a.m., and late at night, between 9 p.m. and midnight. This is because there are fewer people on the streets at these times, making it easier for the culprits to escape, he explained.

For tracking stolen vehicles, police often rely on CCTV footage and vehicle checkpoints, he said. Whereas, lost mobile phones, on the other hand, can be traced through their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and by using the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) app of the Department of Telecommunications. This app enables users to trace and block lost or stolen mobile phones, preventing their misuse, he said. “The recovery rate for lost valuables ranges from 50 to 80 percent, but it becomes significantly more challenging if the items are scrapped or sold in parts,” he added.

Once lost articles are returned to their owners, complainants often do not pursue legal action, allowing culprits to become repeat offenders and contributing to an increase in crimes, he said. Ghatage encouraged the public to promptly report such incidents, either at the nearest police station or through the online portal. “Police are committed to combating these crimes by installing CCTV cameras and deploying sufficient personnel for patrolling and awareness campaigns. But it is equally important that citizens exercise caution and protect their belongings, as law enforcement cannot be present at all places at all times,” he added.

Ghosh agreed that recent trends also point towards an increase in reporting of such crimes by the citizens. “The society also plays a crucial role during these situations by actively responding to incidents and providing support to victims to ensure that such incidents are reported,” he said.

He emphasised the equal responsibility of both authorities and the public in mitigating such crimes. Efforts made by law enforcement agencies to enhance public awareness regarding theft incidents and the need to immediately report such incidents will significantly contribute to building trust within the community in the legal system and its due process, he said. Simultaneously, the public must exercise caution regarding their valuables, as “the protection of our property is ultimately our own responsibility,” he added.