Demonetisation effect? Mumbai railway police reports 50% drop in theft cases

The Government Railway Police (GRP) stated that 12 to 15 such incidents would be reported to railway police stations daily. But ever since the demonetization came into effect, the number of such incidents has slipped to six cases per day.

Increased surveillance by the railway police at stations to keep a watch on hoarders transporting stashed Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes has led to a drop in theft cases instead.

The police have stepped up the watch on commuters. (HT FILE PHOTO)

The Government Railway Police (GRP) stated that 12 to 15 such incidents would be reported to railway police stations daily. But ever since the demonetization came into effect, the number of such incidents has slipped to six cases per day.

Ritesh Aher, GRP spokesperson, said, “There has been a 50% drop in theft cases over the past few days. Cases of pickpocketing and bag lifting have gone down.”

However, mobile phone thefts continue to be the topmost priority for the GRP.

Trains are considered a ‘safe’ mode to transport owing to the lack of security scans. Commuters are only frisked if the police find them suspicious. Hence, the police have stepped up the watch on commuters.

A GRP official said, “All senior inspectors of the 17 railway police stations have deployed more personnel at the stations. They are also scanning luggage, which is done as part of the anti-sabotage measure.”

The increased police presence acts as a deterrent to thieves targeting the commuters. “According to our informers, habitual thieves wait and watch as most wallets have run dry after the demonetization came into effect,” he added.

To make the process of penalizing habitual thieves more stringent, the railway police started the two days chargesheet scheme as per the process to file the charge sheets is quicker. The move aimed at preventing the accused from getting bail.

The GRP also has begun putting up past records of the accused before railway courts to ensure the guilty gets a stricter sentence.

Helpline numbers:

In case of distress, you can call the following helpline numbers:

Government Railway Police: 9833331111

Railway Protection Force national helpline: 182/138

Childline: 1098

Mumbai Police Control Room: 100

To contact the GRP commissioner, Mumbai:

Call: 022 – 23759251

Email: cp.mumbai.railways@mahapolice.gov.in

Upload your complaints on:

www.facebook.com/mumbairailwaypolice

To trace accident victims, visit:

www.shodh.gov.in

Women can send their complaints on WhatsApp number: 9833312222

Complaints can also be lodged via the ‘Pratisaad’ link at helpline. mumbairlypolice.gov.in