Crime Rates Drop Across North Andhra Despite Pockets of Concern
Visakhapatnam: The North Andhra region has reported an overall decline in crime rates across its five districts, according to the latest police statistics. However, some specific categories of crime have seen increases in certain areas.
In Vizianagaram, the overall crime rate dropped significantly. Bodily crimes decreased from 541 to 423 cases, and crimes against women fell from 433 to 350. Kidnapping cases saw a dramatic decline from 20 to just 2. Despite these positive trends, there was an increase in property crimes, which rose from 493 to 515 cases, and rape by deception cases increased from 15 to 18.
Srikakulam also reported a significant decline in overall crime rates. Notably, murders decreased by 36 per cent, from 25 to 16 cases, and dowry deaths fell by 33 per cent. However, there were increases in specific offences: attempted murder cases rose, as did rape and drug offences under the NDPS Act, which surged by 163 per cent.
The Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district reported positive developments in tackling long-standing challenges, particularly in controlling the illegal ganja trade and reducing extremist activities. Police officials noted that arson incidents related to extremist activities were reduced to just one case during the period.
Visakhapatnam, the region's largest district, presented a complex scenario. While the overall crime rate decreased, particularly in grievous offences, and molestation cases showed a slight decline from 265 to 258, there were notable increases in certain categories. Rape cases rose from 84 to 121, and bodily offences increased from 399 to 451. The district also continued to grapple with drug-related crimes, registering 313 NDPS cases. Traffic safety showed improvement in Visakhapatnam, with accidents reducing from 1,180 in 2023 to 1,094 in 2024.
Overall, while most districts in North Andhra have experienced a decline in crime rates for the year 2024, certain specific crimes, such as property offences and crimes against women, have shown upward trends.
District
Issue
2023 Cases
2024 Cases
Vizianagaram
Bodily crimes
541
423
Crimes against women
433
350
Kidnapping
20
2
Property crimes
493
515
Rape by deception
15
18
Visakhapatnam
Molestation
265
258
Rape
84
121
Bodily offences
399
451
Traffic accidents
1,180
1,094
