Mumbai: The number of crime cases registered in Mumbai under IPC and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) rose by 15% in 2024 compared to the previous year, latest police data shows. Cases increased from 45,867 in 2023 to 52,718 in 2024, with thefts seeing the most notable increase, jumping 24% from 6,689 to 8,262, reports V Narayan.
Molestation cases increased 11%, from 2,163 to 2,397, and rape cases by 8%, from 973 to 1,051.
While these crimes saw a rise, robbery cases dropped by 26%, from 642 in 2023 to 474 in 2024. Dacoity cases plummeted even more, by 36%, while the crime of preparation for dacoity saw the sharpest decline of 57%.
Violent crimes showed mixed trends. Attempt to murder cases increased slightly by 4%, from 292 to 303, while murders saw a 9% decline, with 107 cases being filed in 2024 compared to 123 the previous year. Rioting incidents rose by 10%.
Police solved 38,824 cases in 2024, an improvement over 34,989 cases solved in 2023. But a few crimes, such as theft and vehicle theft, saw a lower resolution rate. Authorities have attributed the overall rise in cases to enhanced reporting, better policing, and increased vigilance. Law enforcement officials continue to focus on reducing crime rates and improving the conviction rates of serious offenses.
Snatching cases saw an unprecedented rise, with 117 cases registered in 2024, compared to zero last year. Chain snatching incidents remained the same at 116. Cyber fraud data reveal a 1,350% surge in investment-related fraud (up from 80 to 1,160 cases). Most were linked to share market fraud schemes where investors were promised high returns in short periods. Credit card fraud decreased by 23%. Increases were observed in insurance scams, unauthorised data access, explicit content, system breaches, fraudulent websites, employment scams and email deception. Experts said the figures represent only FIR-converted cases, with Mumbai receiving over 50,000 online complaints.
Former Mumbai police commissioner D Sivanandan said that the increase in crime is a result of more FIRs being registered by the police. “They could suppress and reduce crime numbers, but they don’t, and hence the rise in reported crime. Let us appreciate them for their transparency.” He said the increased deployment of CCTV cameras aids in crime detection but not necessarily in prevention: “Potential victims must remain alert and take precautions to prevent crimes.” He attributed the general rise in property crimes to inflation, growing unemployment, rising gold prices, widespread poverty, and even the recent stock market crash. “The need for money has increased, whether for basic survival or to afford luxury goods like smartphones,” he said.
Joint commissioner Satyanarayan Chaudhary attributed crime control to targeted patrolling, repeat offender monitoring, and drug-related crackdowns. IPS officer-turned-lawyer YP Singh emphasised distinguishing between family-related and professional criminal incidents, suggesting no substantial increase in serious professional crimes against women and children. He advised adoption of technology, including CCTV, mobile tracking, face recognition, and nationwide database analysis. Former IPS officer Praveen Dixit emphasised collective responsibility in city security, recommending police morale enhancement and citizen participation through ‘Police Mitra’ programmes.