The Delhi Metro has recorded 3,952 cases of theft so far this year, marking an increase of at least 242 cases compared to the previous year, according to Delhi Police statistics. By September 8 last year, 3,709 theft cases had been reported.
Official sources said that these thefts include pickpocketing, the loss of mobile phones, wallets, and other valuables from passengers and metro staff, along with thefts of metro property. The data shows that of the 3,952 cases this year, 3,898 were registered through e-FIRs, and 548 of them were solved as of September 8. In 2023, 3,648 cases were registered via e-FIRs, with 1,471 solved during the same period.
Additionally, the data highlights that 81 cases of motor vehicle theft were reported by September 8 this year, compared to 72 during the same time frame last year. Out of these, 56 cases in 2024 and 61 in 2023 have been solved.
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This year, 11 burglary cases have been reported, compared to just three in 2023. At least three cases of snatching were reported in 2024, with two solved, while last year, two cases were reported and both were resolved. There were also five robbery cases reported in 2024, four of which have been solved. In 2023, only one robbery case was recorded.
The security of the Delhi Metro is handled by the Delhi Police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) also deploying security guards at platforms to manage crowds. Of the 190 metro stations in Delhi, 16 metro police stations are responsible for registering and investigating cases. In addition to the CISF’s frisking duties, Delhi Police patrol the trains and metro premises.
A senior police officer noted that the metro police, in collaboration with DMRC and CISF, implement security measures periodically to ensure the safety of the metro system. (With inputs from PTI)