Snatchings, burglaries on the rise in east Delhi

East Delhi has seen a sudden spurt in the number of street crimes such as phone and mobile snatching and car theft.

East Delhi has seen a sudden spurt in the number of street crimes such as phone and mobile snatching and car theft.

HT Image

Patparganj, Surajmal Vihar, Mayur Vihar phase I and II , Karkardooma and Vasundhra Enclave are the worst affected areas.

"The recent increase in incidents of chain and mobile snatching has shaken the confidence of residents in the law. People are too scared to step out after 7 pm. Not a single day passes without a snatching incident. Criminals are having field day especially near Kakakardooma court, Surajmal Vihar, Vivek Vihar and Patparganj housing societies. Women and senior citizens can't step out to walk in the evening," said Anil Bajpai, president, Resident Welfare Association (RWA) Federation, Delhi East.

Residents alleged that the police do not register their complaints and beat constables refuse to cooperate. "In most of the cases no FIR is lodged and victims are persuaded not to lodge formal complaints. Residents are left on their own. The police need to put more pickets and enhance patrolling," said VN Bali, convenor, RWA Federation.

The RWAs have also written to the Lieutenant Governor and Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit.

In localities such as Mayur Vihar phase I and II, the number of thefts and burglaries have increased.

"Every second day there's a burglary in our locality. We have requested the local SHO several times to increase the police presence but nothing has been done," alleged Rajesh Sehgal of B-block, Mayur Vihar phase II RWA.

Ironically, the police claim that the crime graph has come down in east Delhi.

"The number of such incidents has decreased drastically. We have sufficient number of pickets and patrolling teams. But if they still are facing some problems, the residents can get in touch with me," said Prabhakar, deputy commissioner of police (east).