The curious case of the missing motorcycles

Both the victims claim that several other such incidents have been reported in surrounding areas

LAHORE:  

Several motorbikes have been stolen from residents living in Central Flats, Faisal Town.

Shahid Yousaf, one of the tenants renting an apartment in the building, says that his motorbike was stolen this month. He explains that he parked his bike outside his flat on October 10 and then went out to have dinner. When he returned his bike was still parked in its designated spot. However, the next morning as he left his house for breakfast, he discovered that his bike was gone.

Yousaf reveals that he immediately informed police about the incident. “I even registered an FIR but they have not taken any action in order to recover my bike,” he claims.

He maintains that there are CCTV cameras installed at shops located in the street outside Central Flats. After reviewing the footage, it can be seen that the suspect entered the street on his own motorcycle which he parked next to mine. After a few minutes, he steals mine and rides away into the dark. He returns after a couple of minutes for his own two-wheeler but his face remains hidden, Yousaf says.

“On the other hands, the suspect’s entire route can be traced through CCTV cameras that were installed by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority,” he says.

Another citizen, Muhammad Zafar who is a resident of Pattoki, shares a similar story with The Express Tribune. Zafar states that he had come to visit his brothers in Faisal Town during the evening and had parked his motorcycle outside their flat. When he returned the next day, it was gone.

Both the men claim that several other such incidents have been reported in surrounding areas. “We have contacted the police repeatedly but they are not cooperating with us,” the victims alleged.

When contacted by The Express Tribune, ASI Asif Iqbal says that they were currently searching for the suspects but had yet to make any progress. He denies allegations of non-cooperation and maintained that the victims had not come to visit him.

“We are here to help the poor. The victims need to visit us so that we can help them within our fullest capacity,” he says.