Ludhiana: Daytime break-ins now account for nearly one in four burglaries in this city, according to newly released National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. The findings have triggered public concern over the security framework of this industrial hub during daylight hours.
Key findings from the 2024 annual report
The NCRB report reveals that bold daylight offenses comprised nearly 23% of all burglaries recorded across Ludhiana. While the figures expose a vulnerable city during daylight hours, the overall crime data offers a silver lining: total burglaries in Ludhiana have plunged to their lowest levels in seven years.
The drop marks a significant turnaround for the city, which just one year prior ranked as the top burglary hotspot among all Punjab districts and police commissionerates. Ludhiana has now fallen to seventh place statewide for total break-ins.
Daylight property crime remains a challenge
However, daylight property crime remains a distinct challenge. Ludhiana ranks third across Punjab for daytime offenses, trailing only Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. Local law enforcement attributes the overall decline to intensified preventive measures.
A senior police official stated, "The drop in overall burglaries is a positive sign, and steps are being taken to ensure that numbers decrease further. We have increased patrolling and field presence to curb these crimes. However, residents must also take precautions, particularly when leaving their homes vacant during holidays or social functions."
Public skepticism and concerns
Despite the official drop in numbers, local residents argue that high-visibility daytime offenses undermine public confidence. "All forms of burglary must be tackled, but daylight break-ins are a serious concern," said local resident Amarjit Kaur. "They reflect poorly on the city's policing and security framework."
Other community members expressed skepticism over the official statistics, suggesting the actual incident rate could be higher due to underreporting and a general hesitation to approach police stations.
Punjab burglaries (2024) data table
The following table shows burglary data for various police districts in Punjab for 2024, including total, day, and night incidents:
- Patiala: 221 total, 26 day, 195 night
- Hoshiarpur: 189 total, 44 day, 145 night
- Mohali: 177 total, 0 day, 177 night
- Kapurthala: 177 total, 30 day, 147 night
- Jalandhar CP: 174 total, 66 day, 108 night
- Sangrur: 169 total, 23 day, 146 night
- Ludhiana CP: 153 total, 35 day, 118 night
- Amritsar CP: 144 total, 30 day, 114 night
- Jalandhar Rural: 143 total, 28 day, 115 night
- State Total (All Dists): 3,160 total, 515 day, 2,645 night
Note: CP denotes commissionerate of police.
Ludhiana thefts (2017–2024) data table
The following table shows the trend of total burglaries and daytime incidents in Ludhiana from 2017 to 2024:
- 2024: 153 total, 35 day
- 2023: 269 total, 50 day
- 2022: 301 total, 66 day
- 2021: 293 total, 39 day
- 2020: 215 total, 41 day
- 2019: 309 total, 59 day
- 2018: 354 total, 55 day
- 2017: 314 total, 56 day
September 2024 spree: single-day spike
Highlighting the vulnerability of affluent neighbourhoods, burglars struck three distinct Ludhiana residential areas on a single day in September 2024. The targeted sectors included New Rajguru Nagar, Model Town, and Shastri Nagar, prompting calls for localized security upgrades.
