Innovative modus operandi, growing migration, flourishing criminal gangs, increase in value of goods and crowded urbane setting are among the many reasons attributed to Maharashtra being the hot bed for thefts, burglaries and several other property offences. The statistics by the National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) has revealed that in 2013, Maharashtra topped the list of total stolen property which is worth, approximately, Rs 4,315 crores. Among the cities, Mumbai topped the list and contributing to 38 per cent of these property crimes worth around Rs 1,637 crores.

With increasing number of people migrating to bigger cities, booming business and commercial spaces as well as crowded residential spaces, property crimes are believed to be easy to commit and risk-free. Deven Bharti, special IG (law and order) of Maharashtra police, said, "Population in cities like Mumbai is growing by the day and there is a lot of unemployment. Petty thefts, robberies and chain snatching are the best way to make easy money. A lot of people migrate to the city and unite to form criminal gangs and operate in and around the city. Chain snatching and motor vehicle thefts are among the biggest menace in metros and our efforts are on to strengthen vigilance and crackdown on gangs."

Of late, the gangs have become smarter and are devising new methods of operation. Be it knocking on houses pretending to be salesmen, stopping cars at traffic junctions on the excuse of flat tyres or posing as fake cops etc, gangs have been coming up with innovative ways to fool people and rob them of their belongings, even in crowded areas.

Besides most of the property cases being non-bailable, according to officers, there is no strict checking of repeat offenders. A senior police officer said, "There should be a check on history sheeters and punishment should be stricter for repeat offenders. Besides, there should be background checking before employing a servant, driver, maid, etc, who in many cases, are the culprits," added a senior officer.

The police also said that for criminals, rich and urbane places like Mumbai are more viable as there are several crowded gated communities where it is easier for people to sneak in and commit break-ins, without being spotted. "Unless the security inside buildings including commercial spaces is strengthened by employing more guards and installing CCTVs, house burglaries cannot be reduced. We have been sending messages to citizens warning them of the different ways these gangs operate," added a senior officer.

Total Value of Stolen goodsin 2013: (In robbery, thefts, burglary, criminal breach of trust and other property offences)

Maharashtra - Rs 4,315 croreGoa - Rs 3,048 croreKerala - Rs 1,038 CroreWest Bengal - Rs 885 CroreDelhi - Rs 641 Crore

Mumbai - Rs 1,637 croresPune - Rs 237 croresNagpur - Rs 192 croresAurangabad - Rs 44 croresNasik - Rs 34 crores