Crime in Delhi down by 8.4%, decline of 10% in rape and POCSO cases

The national capital witnessed an 8.38% decline in overall crime during the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, Delhi Police data shows. A significant 10% drop was recorded in cases of rape and crimes under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Between January 1 and June 30 this year, 1,18,822 cases were registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Indian Penal Code (IPC), down from 1,29,693 cases in the corresponding period of 2024—marking a fall of nearly 10,000 cases.

Incidents of heinous crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and kidnapping saw a combined reduction of 13.13% compared to 2023, and 10.39% compared to the same time in 2024.

However, the number of murder cases slightly increased—from 241 in 2024 to 250 in 2025. In contrast, rape and POCSO-related cases registered a 10% fall.

Crimes against women also declined overall, with molestation cases dropping by nearly 11% and incidents of eve-teasing down by 12.5%.

Street crimes saw some of the sharpest declines: snatching incidents fell by 25.97%, from 3,381 in 2024 to 2,503 this year. Burglary cases dropped 25.4%—from 4,271 to 3,186—while motor vehicle thefts were down 5.98%, from 18,626 to 17,512 cases.

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Delhi Police attributed the decrease in crime to a combination of increased surveillance, data-driven patrolling strategies, improved community engagement, and targeted action against repeat offenders.

(With inputs from PTI)