More categorically, this comes around to two snatchings in every three days and three vehicle thefts everyday.

These baffling figures, released by the Inspector General of Police in a media conference today, reveals the ineffective policing of a city which has the highest per capita policemen in the country. Poor recovery rate is a clear signal that the police have miserably failed to curb the growing crime rate.

“It is a matter of great concern for the police. It is a challenge to the department and we are taking several measures to curb the number of crime incidents,” said IGP Shanti Kumar Jain.

The IGP attributed the lack of personnel in the police force for the rising snatching and vehicle lifting incidents.

The previous year, 2007, had witnessed 179 cases of snatchings out of which 69 were solved. Out of 852 vehicles reportedly stolen, 243 were recovered.

Another official added, “This is a poor show by the Chandigarh Police which is considered to be among the best police forces in the country. The recovery rate is only around 25 per cent which is a sign of ineffective policing. We are trying our best to nab the culprits and have also busted a few gangs and managed to solve many cases.”

The crime graph followed an interesting trend last year with miscreants snatching gold chains from women in the beginning of the year which changed to rising number of

vehicle thefts being reported mid-year.

The second half of the year saw a rise in purse snatching incidents.

Miscreants find it difficult to dispose of the snatched gold chains since there is a risk of being caught. Now, they snatch purses, use the money and misuse the credit card for some time before throwing it away, according to the police.

A gang of three persons robbing people at knifepoint and striking at will in their white Maruti car is at present giving sleepless nights to the police.