CHENNAI: Serious crimes such as murder and property crimes like chain and mobile phone snatching, and vehicle theft saw a decline in 2025 in Chennai in comparison to the previous two years, said Greater Chennai Police (GCP).

The number of murders came down to 93 in 2025, less than 105 recorded in 2023 and 2024.

"The majority of the murders were crimes of passion, fit of rage, drunken brawl murders. The revamped Organised Crime Unit (OCU), which actively monitored rowdy movements, helped in thwarting several revenge murders," it said in an official statement.

Property crimes, including waylaying, chain and mobile phone snatching, too, reduced when compared to the previous two years. There were 180 waylaying cases in 2025, which is 30% less than 2024 (256 cases) and 45% less than 2023 (325).

Similar trends were observed in mobile and chain snatching cases: 206 cases in 2025, as against 310 in 2024 and 424 in 2023. While the vehicle theft cases remained above the 1,000 mark for the last three years, 2025 recorded 658 fewer incidents compared to 2023, according to the data provided by city police.

"The teams that deal with property cases were advised to go hard against criminals involved in chain and mobile snatching cases. Unlike serial burglars, these involve many first-time offenders, who are looking to make quick money. It is important to send a message that such crimes are not taken lightly," said a senior police officer.