Delhi Police ’s arrest figures for the first six months of 2026 reveal that more first-time offenders were arrested in murder , attempted murder and robbery cases than in the corresponding period last year, even as their numbers fell in sexual offence and extortion cases. New Delhi: A quarrel that spirals out of control, a grudge that refuses to fade or the temptation of easy money — various motives can push people towards their first crime.
The figures, comparing arrests up to June 30 in 2026 with the same period in 2025, show that first-time-offender arrests in murder cases increased from 614 to 694, while the total count in such cases also increased from 649 to 730. First-time offenders accounted for 94.6% of murder arrests in 2025 against 95% in 2026. In attempted murder cases, 769 first-time offenders were arrested in 2026 against last year’s 731 — 86% of total in 2026 against 83.6% in 2025. Total arrests rose from 874 to 890. Robbery cases also recorded an increase, with the arrest of 1,083 (80.5%) first-time offenders in 2026 against 1,009 (73.8%) in 2025. However, total arrests fell from 1,366 to 1,345. In gender harassment cases, first-time offender arrests rose from 256 to 291, while total arrests increased from 256 to 292. First-time offenders accounted for 100% of arrests in 2025 and 99.6% in 2026.
A police officer said first-time offenders could be pushed towards crime by a range of factors, including personal disputes, influence of bad elements/peer pressure, substance abuse, greed and financial pressure. “In several murder cases, personal enmity or perceived disrespect has driven people to commit the crime,” he said.
In dacoity cases, first-time-offender arrests remained unchanged at 48 in both years, though total arrests fell from 94 to 54. First-time offenders accounted for 51% of dacoity arrests in 2025 and 88.8% in 2026. Rape/Pocso cases recorded a fall from 1,073 to 888. Total arrests also fell from 1,085 to 901. the count was 98% in 2026 While first-time offenders accounted for 98.8% of arrests in 2025. Snatching also saw a dip in first-time-offender arrests from 1,711 to 1,634, though total arrests increased from 2,112 to 2,189. First-time offenders accounted for 81% of snatching arrests in 2025 and 74.6% in 2026. In molestation cases, first-time-offender arrests fell from 1,376 to 1,026 along with total arrests of 1,391 against 1,063. First-time offenders accounted for 98.9% of molestation arrests in 2025 and 96.5% in 2026. Extortion recorded one of the sharpest changes, with first-time-offender arrests falling from 149 in 2025 to 74 in 2026. Total arrests also fell from 160 to 75. First-time offenders accounted for 93% of extortion arrests in 2025 and 98.6% in 2026.
The officer added that in several cases involving gang members, their first offence had begun with a personal dispute, while money was usually the primary motive in robbery cases.
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Dr Rajiv Mehta, senior consultant psychiatrist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said three things were commonly seen in first-time offenders. At that stage, the person may either harm himself or others,” he said. It is important to stop micromanaging people,” Dr Mehta said.
“One is passivity, where a person keeps tolerating things until it reaches a point where the frustration turns into aggression. Over-concern, over-pampering and over-interference could also contribute to such behaviour, he pointed out. “Some of this can be prevented by the way we communicate with others. “Mental health is also important. If things are getting out of control, a person should seek professional help,” he added. Download the TOI App.