Panchkula Police struggle with burglary case resolution: Just 36% solved in last 5 years
Panchkula: The police continue to struggle with a low burglary case resolution rate, raising serious concerns about investigative effectiveness. Despite hundreds of cases being reported each year, a majority remain unsolved, leaving victims without closure and emboldening criminals.
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An analysis of burglary cases over the past five years reveals a concerning trend in Panchkula: only about 36% of all reported burglary cases between 2021 and April 2025 were solved by the district police. Between 2021 and April 2025, a total of 1,044 burglary cases were reported in Panchkula. Of these, only 370 cases were worked out, indicating a five-year case resolution rate of 35.4%.
In 2021, 208 burglary cases were reported, with 84 solved, marking a resolution rate of approximately 40.4%.
The following year, 285 cases were lodged, with 114 worked out — a 40% resolution rate. In 2023, the rate dipped slightly, with 90 of 278 cases solved (32.4%). The downward trend continued in 2024, with just 71 of 194 cases cracked (36.6%). The current year appears even more troubling: from Jan 1 to April 30, only 11 out of 79 cases — just 13.9% — were solved.
The figures were provided under the Right to Information (RTI) act.
The consistent failure to solve a majority of these cases means stolen valuables — often including cash, jewellery, electronics, and important documents — are rarely recovered, leaving victims without justice or restitution. Residents and local activists have expressed frustration, citing a lack of police presence, surveillance, and investigative follow-up.
"With crime trends showing no signs of slowing, we urge authorities to priorities property crime investigations and strengthen neighbourhood policing to improve both resolution rates and public confidence in law enforcement.
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Besides, the police need to increase patrolling and presence to instill fear in the minds of criminals. The recent cases in which thieves dared to enter houses even when the family was in is shocking for all," said SK Nayar, president, Citizens' Welfare Association, Panchkula.
A senior police official, on condition of anonymity, admitted that staff shortages and lack of forensic resources hamper investigations.
When contacted, ACP Arvind Kamboj (crime branch) told TOI, "I do not have the said data with me right now, but we are doing recoveries and solving cases in many burglaries. Not just at police station level, even crime branch level teams are formed and cases are solved."
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