Hyderabad: This year there were 27,156 First Information Reports registered by the Cyberabad police. There were 24,922 in 2012. The police says its focus was on getting more crimes reported and the increase in numbers should be seen in that light and not as an increase in the crime rate.
This year there was an increase in crime against women. About 2,391 cases were reported, an increase of about 400 cases over last year’s figure of 1,914 cases. About 110 cases were registered under the Criminal Amendment Act introduced after the Delhi gangrape incident in December last year.
There were 6,136 offences of chain-snatching, house burglaries, and other thefts, but the percentage of recovery in these cases increased.
Addressing the media at the annual press meet on Friday, C.V. Anand, Cyberabad police commissioner said, “The focus was on getting the crime registered. The victims should approach the police to lodge a complaint. The officials were also told there will be no review if there was an increase in the crime rate based on the complaints.”
Anand said that detecting cyber crimes is getting more difficult, and hence new software packages were procured. The cell is now able to do its own investigation rather than depending on other departments. About 103 cases were reported this year out of which, 32 cases have been solved.
In 2013, there was an increase in property related crimes. Snatch-ings, house burglary, robbery, dacoity and other ordinary thefts have also increased. However, recovery percentage in such cases has also increased from 72 per cent last year to 76 per cent this year.
The Cyberabad police had some notable successes this year such as solving the Madhapur rape case, Mahesh bank theft case in which 14.5 kg of gold was recovered, and the arrests of the notorious house burglar Sameer and his family, and rec-overing 1.27 kg of gold from their possession. Anand said that rioting, and simple and grievous hurts have come down due to the efficiency of the local police.
Next: 150 cameras for women safety
150 cameras for women safety
Cyberabad police commissioner C.V. Anand used a little known proviso Section 107 of the Criminal Procedure Code — to function as an executive magistrate to prevent crime. Two cases have come to Anand’s court, nine are lined up.
This is among a series of innovative measures to curb crime in the area. A Cyberabad Central Complaint Cell, called 4C, was introduced to facilitate public grievances. A women cell was also introduced as part of the IT Corridor plan.
Anand said that land grabbing sheets will be opened on about 25 more persons; anyone involved in more than five landgrab cases will be considered as a habitual offender.
The police found out a method to tighten the screws on chain-snatchers. A review revealed that most chain-snatchers were repeat offenders, encouraged by the fact that punishment is not harsh. The police has therefore decided to choke sales of stolen gold.
Receivers of the booty will be booked under IPC?Section 411 (three years in jail). “Gold should be accepted with details. Receivers (like pawn brokers and gold loan companies)?have to inform the police if they are suspicious,” Anand said
Detailing security for women, Anand said about 150 cameras with night vision will be set up under the control of the Security Council. Short films which were shot on women’s awareness will be showed in theatres from January 1, in both English and Telugu.