2020 saw least incidents of petty crimes in 21st century

Vadodara: As Gujaratis remained locked up in their houses for a greater part of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it proved to be the safest period for their properties in the 21st century.

Only half of thefts, burglaries, robberies and dacoities were reported in 2020 in Gujarat compared to an average of the previous 19 years.

The latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) titled Crime in India 2020 shows that there were 12,827 cases of theft, burglary, robbery and dacoity in the state, which is the lowest in the last two decades.

Ahmedabad and Surat cities witnessed 4,602 incidents of these crimes.

The drastic decline in these petty crimes which citizens face routinely is mainly due to the over two-month-long lockdown and also because of citizens restricting their movements even after the lockdown was lifted. Travel agents too confirmed that people had cancelled or did not plan trips during the festivities and vacations last year.

Most of the house break-ins are reported during such periods.

Vehicle thefts which contribute majorly to the thefts, also decreased as the most common places of such crimes like parks, gardens, offices among other places were also shut.

Police sources said that the history-sheeters involved in such petty crimes too changed their habits as it was impossible for them to carry out any criminal activities.

A lower rung official said that it was difficult for thieves as people were not venturing and their usual places of committing the crime were not as crowded as they used to be.

“There was police presence and continuous patrolling on the roads to enforce the lockdown and night curfew, so it was not possible for the offenders to carry out crimes. After the curfew hours were eased, we devised new plans of patrolling during the early hours of the day,” said Dr Shamsher Singh, Vadodara police commissioner.


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