Kidnappings, vehicle thefts rise in Delhi

NEW DELHI - There was a sharp increase in kidnappings and motor vehicle thefts in Delhi in 2009, with the total criminal cases registered in the capital increasing by over one percent during the year, Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal said Saturday.

“There was an increase in the total Indian Penal Code (IPC) cases by 1.42 percent. There was a substantial increase in the incidence of kidnapping cases from 1,502 to 2,417 (60.9 percent) due to the decision to register cases straightway in the cases of missing children up to the age of 16,” Dadwal said during the Delhi Police’s annual press conference.

“There was also a major increase in motor vehicle theft cases by 19.5 percent. However, there was a decline in heinous crimes such as murder, attempt to murder, robbery, rioting and rape by 2.97 percent as compared to last year,” he said.

A total of 47,072 IPC cases were registered in 2009 against 46,614 in 2008. A total of 11,892 motor vehicle thefts were registered last year as compared to 9,949 cases in 2008.

Dadwal said there was also decline in the incidence of molestation, snatching, causing hurt and burglary.

The commissioner said as compared to five cases under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in 2008, 25 people were booked under it last year.