Residents in Ghaziabad, particularly in areas like Indirapuram and Kaushambi, are facing an escalating threat of street crime, according to police data analyzing snatching and robbery incidents. From January to November 15, Indirapuram accounted for 17.4% of reported mobile, purse, and chain snatching cases across five zones. The trans-Hindon zone, including Kaushambi and Sahibabad, witnessed 9.3% of such incidents. Notably, Kavi Nagar, Shalimar Garden, and other localities also feature in the crime statistics, prompting concerns about safety in various parts of the city.
Indirapuram, with 105 reported cases of street and armed house robberies, emerged as a hotspot, raising alarms for residents. Kaushambi and Sahibabad followed closely, each with 55 cases. In the city zone, Kavi Nagar reported 48 cases, adding to the overall 8.1% of total crimes in the district. Interestingly, Shalimar Garden, despite establishing a new police station to combat rising crime, recorded 39 cases, making it the fifth most crime-prone area.
The data further reveals that a significant portion of these incidents, approximately 36%, occurred after dark, emphasizing the vulnerability during nighttime hours. Morning walkers were targeted between 5 am and 8 am, while the aggressiveness of criminals peaked after sunset, with 201 incidents reported between 6 pm and 12 am.
Residents attribute part of the issue to poorly lit areas, identified as “dark spots,” lacking functional electric poles. Commissioner of Police Ajay Kumar Mishra acknowledged the problem, indicating that stretches of roads in these spots remain in darkness, creating an environment conducive to criminal activities. Efforts to address the issue with the concerned department are underway.
The police are actively addressing the situation, with 281 snatchers identified as Ghaziabad-based. Increased patrols, comprising 120 PRVs, 186 cheetah bikes, and enhanced visibility, aim to curb street crimes. Plans to form special teams in each police station and deploy resources based on identified crime hotspots are also in progress to ensure the safety of residents in the region.
