Chennai tops murders, Kovai car theft

While people from Coimbatore have been known for their soft nature and gentle manners, recent statistics released by the National Crime Records Bureau reaffirms this.

According to the bureau’s “Crime in India - 2011” report, the district has much lower number of violent crimes than other parts of the State.

Sample this: the district (comprising Coimbatore rural and City police limits) recorded 65 murders in 2011, while Salem, a much smaller economic centre, had as many as 98 murders.

The State capital, Chennai, recorded 168 murders and Tirunelveli recorded 116 murders.

“Most of the officers I know would prefer a posting in Coimbatore as it is much easier to work here,” said a police officer. “In many other parts of the State, not a single day passes without a clash due to reasons differeing from from caste differences to family disputes. But here, people don’t turn violent just because they have a minor dispute with their neighbour.”

Coimbatore district also had comparatively fewer crimes against women - 14 rape cases in the year, while it was 58 in Salem and 76 in Chennai.  As many as 39 cases of kidnapping women were reported in the district. The figures were much higher in cities like Madurai (106) and Salem (135). While three dowry deaths were reported from Coimbatore, it was 20 in Chennai.

However, the report highlights a few points in the district which cause concern for police officers. For the third consecutive year, Coimbatore has registered the highest number of vehicle thefts. There were 450 cases here, compared to Chennai’s 425. In both 2010 and 2009, Coimbatore district recorded the highest number of automobile theft cases.

Burglary and robbery cases in the district are also high. As many as 271 burglary cases were reported in 2011, the fourth highest in Tamil Nadu. There were also 169 robbery cases, the third highest in the State.