Gujarat’s law and order under scanner: thieves stole ₹1,069 cr in 3 years, only ₹221 cr recovered

Data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has raised concerns over theft recovery and policing efficiency in Gujarat. In three years until 2024, thieves allegedly stole property and valuables worth more than ₹1,069 crore across the state, while police recovered only around ₹282 crore. Property worth ₹787 crore remains untraced.

According to NCRB figures, thefts worth ₹300.31 crore were reported in Gujarat in 2022, of which police recovered property worth only ₹90.2 crore. In 2023, theft cases increased further, with criminals allegedly stealing valuables worth ₹423.3 crore, while recovery stood at only ₹98.1 crore.

Similarly, in 2024, thieves reportedly stole property worth around ₹346 crore, but police could recover only ₹94.2 crore in cash and valuables.

Overall, the recovery rate in theft cases remained only around 27 to 30% during the three-year period. This effectively means that for every ₹100 stolen, police were able to recover only around ₹27 to ₹30 worth of property and valuables.

The figures have triggered concerns among citizens regarding public safety and investigation efficiency, especially as more than 70% of the stolen amount still remains unrecovered.

Officials and observers say the figures have also raised questions about the effectiveness of technologically advanced policing systems and investigation mechanisms in improving recovery rates in theft-related offences.

The data further indicates that theft cases continue to pose a major challenge for law enforcement agencies in Gujarat, with concerns now being raised over whether stronger monitoring and investigation mechanisms are required to improve recovery and detection rates across the state.