Bengaluru witnessed a sharp rise in thefts by domestic helps in 2024, with 383 cases reported, a 20% increase from 2023. Among these, the police solved 145 cases compared to 174 out of 320 cases in 2023. The total value of stolen goods — including jewellery, cash, and gadgets — was pegged at ₹46.5 crore, with ₹9.8 crore worth recovered.

Key Cases:

  1. Rs 15.15 crore Heist (Vijayanagar):
    A Nepalese couple working at a jeweller’s house, with two accomplices, stole 8 kg of gold, 212 gms of diamonds, and ₹40 lakh cash in November.
  2. 700 gms Gold Theft (Bellandur):
    A former car driver used duplicate keys to steal gold worth ₹4 crore in December after learning his ex-employer was away.
  3. Jayanagar Robbery:
    A Nepalese couple, with three associates, stole over ₹1 crore worth of gold and silver jewellery from the Sampige Theatre owner’s house in October.

Contributing Factors:

  • Employer Negligence: Many homeowners fail to verify domestic helps through police or maintain proper records.
  • Trust Exploited: Migrant workers, particularly Nepalese, reportedly target affluent households and gain the trust of employers before committing thefts.
  • False Allegations: Some employers file false cases to dismiss servants when they demand higher wages.

Challenges for Police:

  • Lack of employer-provided details delays investigations.
  • Out-of-state tracking often stalls due to limited resources, with officers covering travel expenses personally.

Safety Measures Suggested by Police:

  • Verify domestic helps’ credentials at the local police station.
  • Collect and verify original identity proofs.
  • Use authorized agencies for hiring to ensure thorough background checks.

The rise in such crimes underscores the need for stricter hiring practices and better cooperation between citizens and law enforcement.