Chandigarh street crime rate turns southward, 40% dip in snatchings

Street crime is turning southward in the city if the decrease in snatching incidents is any indication. In the first seven months of this year, Chandigarh has witnessed a dip of over 37% in the cases of snatching as compared to the corresponding period in 2023 and 26% decline when evaluated with 2024 figures of the equivalent time.

Not only have the incidents taken a downward trend but almost 75% of them have also been solved. Besides, the delivery of justice to the victims has been made within just 18 days after the registration of a snatching case under the new criminal laws, which Chandigarh was the first to adopt and implement fully in the country since July 1 last year.

The development assumes significance as snatching incidents have always been a matter of concern in Chandigarh, especially in the residential and market areas.

This was made possible under the special drive of the UT police to ensure public safety and enhance citizens’ sense of security.

Sharing the strategic measures taken to prevent street crimes, particularly snatchings, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kanwardeep Kaur, told The Tribune that it was achieved through intensive patrolling, robust surveillance using the CCTV network, focused deployment of motorcycle-borne PCR units, and consistent public awareness campaigns. These steps made an impact on curbing the menace, she added.

Under the slew of preventive measures, the Chandigarh Police strengthened patrolling and police presence, increased foot patrolling in evening and night time at vulnerable areas, deployed PCR vehicles and bike patrols for faster response, and intensified night patrolling in isolated areas.

“We identified the crime hotspots, mapped the crime-prone areas based on previous incidents and conducted surprise checks and nakas at key locations,” the SSP revealed.

On the use of technology to curb the street crimes, she said the CCTV coverage was expanded under the Smart City project, regular monitoring was done through Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) and private CCTV cameras. Also, criminals were tracked with technical surveillance and CDR analysis.

Acting against the criminal elements, the police undertook special drives against history-sheeters, parole jumpers and suspects on bail.

“Dedicated watch list was created in all police stations, wherein all previously arrested snatching case accused have been updated,” she divulged.

The verification of suspected and criminal elements was being conducted in physical mode as well through e-beat book 2.0 in which updated details were being entered along with live photographs.

As part of the community involvement, awareness drives were conducted with the Residents Welfare Associations and Market Associations during which the citizens were educated about safety precautions and prompt reporting.

According to the official figures, snatching cases dropped from 155 in 2023 to 132 in 2024, which was a year-on-year reduction of 15%, while 57 cases have been registered in 2025 to date, marking a dip of over 37% and 26% as compared to corresponding period in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

“Of the total snatching cases registered since 2023, almost 75% cases have already been worked out,” the SSP disclosed, while attributing it to smart policing, rapid response, and community collaboration, reinforcing Chandigarh’s image as one of the safest cities in the country.

SWIFT JUSTICE

In a record of sorts, a snatching case was decided in just 18 days under the new criminal laws.

This case was registered under Sections 304(2), 317(2), 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Sector 17 police station on November 13, 2024.

The investigation was conducted swiftly using cutting-edge technology and digital tools like the e-sakshya, Nyay Setu, MedLEaPR, e-forensic and e-prosecution mobile applications. The chargesheet was filed within just eight days, followed by framing of charges on the same day, and the trial was completed in merely 10 more days.

The accused was convicted on December 2 last, completing the entire legal process in just 18 days from the date of FIR registration to conviction.

“This case is a prime example of the Chandigarh Police’s commitment to swift justice, made possible through coordinated efforts between investigation teams, forensic experts, and the judiciary, ensuring deterrence, accountability and trust in the justice system,” a 2013-batch Punjab-cadre IPS officer added.

TAKIING PROACTIVE, SUSTAINED APPROACH: SSP

"As a result of the proactive interventions, the city witnessed a considerable decline in snatching incidents. In a display of prompt policing and effective implementation of the new criminal laws, we ensured justice in record time as well," SAYS KANWARDEEP KAUR, CHANDIGARH SSP