Jubilee Hills worst hit by domestic worker thefts

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Rising thefts involving domestic workers have emerged as a growing concern in Hyderabad, with police registering 565 cases across the city over the last two years. The incidents have prompted authorities to issue a fresh advisory urging residents to carry out police verification before employing household staff.

Official data shows that 65 of the cases were classified as serious offences, while the remaining 500 involved general thefts. Jubilee Hills accounted for the highest number of cases at 173, making it the most affected police division in the city. It was followed by Secunderabad with 88 cases, Khairatabad 77, Golconda 70, Rajendranagar 63, Shamshabad 49 and Charminar 45.

Police said affluent neighbourhoods, gated communities and localities with a high concentration of IT professionals and business families have witnessed more such incidents. Elderly people living alone, students and working professionals have been identified as frequent targets.

Investigators found that some domestic workers allegedly gained the confidence of employers before collecting information about valuables, household routines, locations of keys and CCTV coverage. The information was later used to commit thefts. In certain cases, police also uncovered the involvement of organised inter-state criminal gangs. Hyderabad City Police have appealed to residents to verify the background of domestic workers through the local police station before hiring them. Citizens have also been advised to obtain identity documents, photographs, permanent address proof and references from previous employers.

Police further urged the public not to disclose details about cash, jewellery or travel plans to newly employed domestic staff and to immediately report suspicious activity by dialling 100 or contacting the Hyderabad Police WhatsApp helpline at 94906 16555.