Date:10/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/10/stories/2009011053940300.htm

Kerala - Kozhikode

Decline in crime rate in Kozhikode

Biju Govind

Detection of cases too has registered improvement

KOZHIKODE: The crime rate in the city has registered a moderate decline.

Official figures registered with the District Crime Records Bureau (DCRB) showed that the total number of property cases reported at various stations in the city in 2008 was 618. The figures reported in 2005, 2006, 2007 were 541, 673 and 624 respectively. Detection of cases also registered a marginal improvement during the last year. Over 38 per cent of the cases were detected in 2008 as against 36.63 per cent, 36.40 per cent and 38.30 per cent in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

No murder for gain was reported in 2008. However, the number of cases under Section 395 to 398 (dacoity) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) increased to nine in 2008 from four the previous year. Dacoities are usually reported at residences, on highways, trains and commercial places. Eight cases, however, were reported at other places in the city in 2008.

The number of thefts has declined compared with figures in 2006. It is significant to note that vehicle thefts topped the chart in all the four years under the category of thefts. Over 115 automobile thefts have been detected in 2008. The number of cases detected in 2006 and 2007 were 154 and 128 correspondingly.

The other theft cases pertained to stealing of jewellery, pocket-picking, electric goods and theft at places of worships. As many as 92 theft cases have not been included in any specified group. No theft of cultural properties, idols, paintings has been reported in the past four years, according to the records.

Statistics also showed that housebreaks during nights have come down in 2008. Cases registered under this section stood at 179. The figures were 194 and 201 in 2006 and 2007 respectively. But the number of housebreaks during daytime increased to 35 in 2008 from 33 cases in 2007.

Incidentally, the number of robbery cases reported increased to 100 in 2008 from 80 in the previous year. Robbery cases are charged under Section 392, 394, 397, 398 of the IPC. These usually occurred at residential premises, commercial areas and other places.