NEW DELHI: For the first time in two years, snatchings in the city have logged an increase in the records of Delhi Police . In the 31 days of January, 476 snatching incidents were reported against 436 in the corresponding period last year, the latest data compiled by the police department shows. This is a rise of around 9%.The data suggests that there are roughly 16 snatchings happening in a day in Delhi, which is divided into 187 police stations. Sources, however, say that figures may be higher as many victims don’t report the crime and many lodge complaints online.Snatching is “theft using steal-and-run tactics”.Interestingly, snatchings officially remained in check throughout 2017 and 2018. Last year, the Delhi Police registered 3237 snatchings from January 1 till June 30 as compared to 4553 incidents in the same time period in 2017. Overall, 6932 cases were reported in 2018 against 8231 in 2017, while 9571 snatching cases were registered in Delhi in 2016. The data shows that murders — considered to be the prime indicator of crime situation in a city — went north last month as well, with 47 murders being registered in January this year against 42 in January 2018, a rise of 12%.Vehicle thefts continue to sky-rocket too, according to the data. At least 3,667 vehicles were stolen in January this year against 3210 last year, arise of around 14%.The city’s roads remained unsafe through 2018, and fatal accidents reached an-all time high of 1657. Fatal accidents are indicative of the rampant violation of road rules and lax policing. In 2019, nothing seems to have chan ged, with fatal accidents rising. At least 134 fatal accidents were reported in January against 107 in the same month last year. Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik is learned to have asked the traffic incharge, Mohammed Taj Hasan, to take immediate steps to bring down the fatalities.The latest crime figures also show a decline in many crimes.For example, no kidnappings for ransom were reported this January whereas 2018 started off with a sensational kidnapping of a businessman’s son for a Rs 5 crore ransom. The family had paid Rs4 crore for his release but cops claimed that it was a controlled operation to get to the criminals.Crimes against women continue to remain in check with 131 cases reported in January this year against 146 cases last year. Molestations too have gone south by 8%.Robberies have come down almost 25% as police registered 187 cases this January against 250 robberies reported in January 2017. Burglaries and house thefts have also seen a dip of around 25% and 28%, respectively.Overall, heinous crimes have seen a dip of around 16%. However, overall IPC rose by 19%, while non-heinous crimes, including snatchings, have shot up by 20%, the data of January 2018 and 2017 shows.“Increase in certain crime per month is coincidental. Crime-related murders are in check and so are robberies. Controlling crime against women is our priority. Rapes and molestations showed a downward trend. Not a single incident of kidnapping for ransom was reported this year,” said Delhi Police spokesperson Madhur Verma.For example, no kidnappings for ransom were reported this January where as 2018 started off with a sensational kidnapping where a businessman’s son had been abducted for a Rs 5 crore ransom.The family had paid Rs 4 crore for his release but cops later claimed it was a controlled operation to get to the criminals.

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