Lockdown effect: Crime rate dips sharply in Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: The crime rate has dropped sharply in Andhra Pradesh during the COVID lockdown.

Officials said there is a sharp decrease in rapes, murders, property offences and other crimes in the state.

Compared to 120 criminal cases registered per day, only 5 to 10 cases were registered per day in the state after the lockdown was enforced.

Over 120 major criminal cases were registered in the first phase of lockdown. They include 22 murders, 12 rapes, 20 burglaries, 28 attempts to murder and others.

Vijayawada police commissioner Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said that the law and order situation in the city has improved and the crime rate has drastically dipped during the lockdown.

“Cops presence on the roads appears to have instilled fear among the criminals,” he said.

Since most people have stayed indoors, criminals including burglars, snatchers, and others are finding it difficult to commit offences. Lockdown has also hampered the movement of inter-state property offenders.

“Vizag city witnessed only three property offences during the lockdown,” said RK Meena, Vizag city police chief.

Most cases registered across the state in the last 21 days are related to violation of COVID-19 regulations and guidelines. “Offences like theft, snatching, and robbery have drastically dropped in the State,” said a police officer

The number of road accidents and vehicle thefts has also dropped sharply. Around 300 road accidents were reported in the state.