Mystery: Car theft in capital on the rise

This is not the first time a car has been stolen from I-8


APP May 30, 2016

ISLAMABAD: Vehicle theft cases have witnessed an alarming increase in the capital city in recent months despite the installation of enhanced security measures.

A car was stolen late Wednesday night from I-8/1 Sector, which is a stone’s throw of the I-9 Police Station, raising some serious questions over the performance of police as well as security cameras put in place recently all over the city.

Muhammad Aftab told police he had parked his black-coloured Toyota Corolla 1994 (LED-13-3269) outside his house shortly after midnight, but he found it missing when he woke up for prayer at 4am.

He called Rescue-15 that quickly sent its nearest patrol. In the meantime, a police mobile from the police station also reached the scene.

Police relayed the information to all its different departments including the one that manages security cameras, which called the Aftab and told his car had been spotted in the city before being stolen. But, the department went tight-lipped when asked if the security cameras had seen the vehicle after being stolen.

After installation of security cameras in the city, it is next to impossible for any vehicle to roam around `uncaptured.’ With security checkpoints all over the city, it is equally impossible for any vehicle to go through them unnoticed.

One wonders if there is any lapse in security or the car-lifters have grown so sophisticated that they can still strike anywhere they want.

“I was really impressed by the way police reacted. I got so many calls from police officials, assuring me they are pursuing my case, besides extending sympathies. I hope to have my car back,”Aftab said.

This is not the first time a car has been stolen from I-8.

Residents told this scribe there have been many such incidents in the past. It still remains a mystery why and how do the thieves manage to sneak out of the city’s fortified neighbourhoods, which are enveloped in security cover all around.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2016.

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