In a significant crackdown on property-related offences, the Visakhapatnam police have achieved notable success in crime detection and recovery of stolen assets. Police Commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi revealed that during the month of December, a total of 77 property offences were officially reported across Vizag city.
Major Recovery of Stolen Property
Out of these reported incidents, the police successfully detected 44 cases, demonstrating an impressive investigative capability. This operation led to the arrest of 42 property offenders who were involved in various criminal activities targeting citizens' belongings.
Substantial Asset Recovery
The recovery operation yielded substantial results, with police confiscating valuable items from the apprehended criminals. The seized property includes:
- Over 295 grams of gold ornaments
- 301 grams of silver ornaments
- More than ₹1.72 lakh in cash
- Five motorcycles
- One auto-rickshaw
- One bus
- 340 missing and stolen mobile phones
The total estimated value of all recovered property exceeds ₹1.07 crore, representing a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the city.
Breakdown of Detected Cases
Police provided detailed statistics about the nature of crimes they successfully solved during December:
- One case of robbery
- Five cases of burglary
- One snatching case
- 15 cases of motorcycle thefts
- 17 cases of ordinary thefts
This comprehensive breakdown illustrates the diverse range of property crimes affecting Vizag residents and the police department's focused approach to addressing each category.
Long-Term Recovery Efforts
Commissioner Bagchi highlighted the department's sustained efforts over a longer period, noting that in the past two years, Vizag police have recovered a remarkable 8,875 mobile phones (including both stolen and lost devices). The cumulative value of these recovered phones amounts to approximately ₹13.31 crore, demonstrating the scale of mobile theft in the urban environment.
To facilitate the return of recovered property to rightful owners, the police organized a special recovery mela on Saturday, where stolen items were officially handed back to citizens who had fallen victim to these crimes.
Proactive Crime Prevention Measures
Looking beyond reactive law enforcement, Vizag police have implemented a multi-faceted strategy to prevent future criminal activities. In December alone, the department took several proactive measures:
Enhanced Surveillance Infrastructure
The police installed 168 new CCTV cameras across strategic locations in the city, significantly boosting surveillance capabilities and creating a more comprehensive security network.
Public Awareness Initiatives
Recognizing that an informed public is crucial to crime prevention, police conducted 178 crime awareness meetings throughout December 2025. These sessions educated citizens about various criminal activities and effective prevention strategies they can implement in their daily lives.
Targeted Patrols and Special Teams
The department has implemented special patrolling protocols in areas identified as crime-prone, increasing police visibility and response capability in vulnerable neighborhoods. Additionally, special teams have been formed specifically to prevent both online and offline cricket betting activities, which often serve as catalysts for other criminal behaviors.
Advanced Surveillance Techniques
Embracing modern technology, Vizag police continue to utilize drone surveillance in isolated areas, providing aerial monitoring capabilities that help detect and deter criminal and illegal activities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Commissioner Bagchi emphasized that this comprehensive approach—combining robust investigation, substantial recovery operations, and proactive prevention measures—represents the department's commitment to making Visakhapatnam a safer city for all residents. The December achievements demonstrate how coordinated law enforcement strategies can effectively combat property crimes while building public trust through tangible results.
