Make merry, but watch out for muggers

Cops say crimes go up in Dec as people lower their guard

The month of December is known for Christmas and merrymaking. But it is also the month when an increasing number of robbers target people. So, the police have stepped up vigilance on the streets.

P Harishekaran, Additional Commissioner of Police (East), said they had done a study which revealed that crimes such as robbery, dacoity and chain-snatching went up in December. “Offenders know that people travel late in the night after visiting church and also are busy with their chores. So, they see it a golden opportunity and strike.”

“We have identified some sensitive spots in eastern and southeastern divisions, like KR Puram, Madiwala, Koramangala (Outer and Inner Ring Roads), Mahadevapura, Whitefield, Nice Road near Bannerghatta Road. The study found that these areas report more crimes in December. Hence, this time we have decided to step up patrolling and make sure our personnel are on the streets and visible to the people,” Harishekaran added.

Crimes go up on New Year’s Eve, too. “Criminals also want to celebrate New Year and cash in on the discounts offered by shops. So, they rob people. As it’s the holiday season, many people take a vacation and lock their homes. So, criminals do a recce to identify such houses,” the officer said.

Another senior police officer said Byatarayanapura, Peenya, Devanahalli and the surrounding areas were also under constant patrolling this month.

Dip in crime rate
The eastern and southeastern police divisions together accounted for 55 per cent of crimes across Bengaluru. But this rate has come down to 33 per cent, thanks to extensive patrolling and stringent punishment awarded to the culprits, Harishekaran suggested. Constant field work, regular visits to slums and sensitive areas and hauling up of habitual offenders have led to a decrease in crimes. A sense of fear among people with criminal record also brought down the crime rate, he claimed.