Capital’s most burgled area: Lutyens’ Zone

With more than 80 PCR vans and scores of policemen patrolling the Lutyens’ zone—home to several VIPs and politicians—the answer jumps to mind. But that security is just an appearance.

If someone asks you which is the most secure place in Delhi. With more than 80 PCR vans and scores of policemen patrolling the Lutyens’ zone—home to several VIPs and politicians—the answer jumps to mind. But that security is just an appearance. Despite the PCRs and cops on patrol, the area registers 35 per cent of the break-ins and burglaries reported across the city.

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In 2009, 1,634 cases of burglary were reported across Delhi, of them 577 were from New Delhi area alone. To tackle this, the area police has designed a residential area security plan for the Members of Parliament (MP).

What’s the most commonly bugled item? Bathroom fittings. “We get so many calls where MP’s report that bathroom fittings like wash basins and taps have been stolen from their homes,” said a police officer.

In September last year, three taps and a shower were stolen from the Feroze Shah Road residence of Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Ejaz Ali.

Police say they have increased patrolling in the area and also set up pickets at strategic locations. They claim that thefts are often reported from the boundary areas of the bungalows, the walls of which are scaled by burglars to sneak in.

“Many MPs don’t even know who is living in the servant quarters attached to their bungalows. Their staff often connives with outsiders and rent out the places,” said the officer.

In December last year, police had caught four members of a gang who robbed a Belgian in Chanakyapuri while she was in a taxi. One of the four lived in an MP’s servant quarters.

In most cases the break-ins are the handiwork of insiders. “A separate security plan was chalked out for Lutyen’s zone as it is home to the President, the Prime Minister and other VIPs. Our beat staff regularly patrols these streets,” said the officer.

We have deployed quick reaction teams in high security zones. Round-the-clock mobile patrolling on bikes and gypsies is also done. We keep a watch on people involved earlier in similar crimes,” said Rajan Bhagat, spokesman, Delhi Police.