As the city of Mumbai continued with its extended lockdown in the month of May, cases of vehicular thefts in the city continued to rise. In April, Mumbai police had registered 84 vehicle theft cases. The number rose to 158 in May.
There has been a significant change in the crime pattern across the city of Mumbai as a consequence of the lockdown. In April, no cases of chain snatching were reported. In May, two cases were reported of chain snatching. While cases of house break-ins were reported, there was also a rise in cases of molestation and scuffles. According to the data released by the Mumbai Police, it states 158 motor vehicle theft cases were reported in the month of May. This means five vehicles which include bikes, cycles and cars, were stolen every day. Most of these cases of theft involved stealing bikes as it is easier to steal a two-wheeler. Also, bike parts can be sold separately.
As per an official from the western suburbs, these cases also happened as a consequence of the lockdown as there was an absence of any modes of transport. On the other hand, cases of brawls along with molestation also witnessed an increased number. Molestation cases went up from 36 cases in April to 56 cases in May. In April, 17 rape cases were registered while 19 cases were registered in the month of May. Meanwhile, eight murder cases were reported in May. An officer speaking to the media, however, stated that the maximum number of cases that have been reported in the past are those under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These cases mostly relate to people not following social distancing rules or the lockdown measures like traversing without permission or wearing a mask at all times while going out.
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