Crackdown on criminals in west Delhi, 253 arrested in October

In a special operation during the festive season, west Delhi police arrested 253 criminals in October, including 33 robbers and 34 snatchers, who were wanted for their alleged involvement in street crimes.

Police data showed a 39% drop in snatching-related PCR calls and a 24% decrease in robbery calls as of October this year, compared to the same period last year.

“The West District police initiated a crackdown on street criminals and those causing public nuisance during the festive season in October 2024,” an official said.

The arrests of 33 robbers led to the resolution of 21 cases, with recovered items including a mobile phone, three gold chains, other gold items, three knives, and cash.

Police also apprehended 34 snatchers, solving 30 cases, and recovering four mobile phones, one gold chain, two two-wheelers, and cash, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vichitra Veer.

Additionally, 12 burglars were detained, leading to the resolution of seven burglary cases and recovery of mobile phones, two-wheelers, and other valuables. The police also captured 174 thieves, solving 209 theft cases and retrieving 44 mobile phones, 56 two-wheelers, six cars, one e-rickshaw, and cash, the DCP added.

The campaign was extensive and focused on curbing crime across multiple areas, the official noted.

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Police reported a total of 1,442 snatching-related PCR calls up to October 2023, while only 875 such calls were recorded up to October this year, reflecting a reduction of over 39%. Similarly, robbery-related calls decreased from 785 in 2023 to 592 in 2024, marking a reduction of more than 24%.

There was also a 12% overall reduction in motor vehicle theft cases, Veer mentioned.

During October’s festive period, bomb disposal squads and dog squads conducted intensive checks in markets and high-traffic areas, officials said.

In total, 36 cases were registered under the Arms Act, with 36 arrests and recoveries of four country-made pistols, 32 knives, and seven live rounds.

The police also registered 39 cases under the Excise Act, leading to 46 arrests and the recovery of 8,028 quarters of illicit liquor and 617 beers.

Under the Gambling Act, ten cases were registered with 26 arrests, along with the recovery of ₹3,26,400. Additionally, three cases under the NDPS Act led to six arrests and the seizure of over 150 grams of heroin and 1.6 kg of cannabis.

Action was taken against 1,782 individuals found drinking in public places, police said.

(With inputs from PTI)