2018 sees unprecedented rise in capital’s crime rate

As compared to rural areas, figures for bike theft in suburbs are extraordinary

ISLAMABAD: An unprecedented surge estimated to be around 240 per cent in cases of bike lifting and a rampant and alarming growth in other crimes in just twelve months is a pathetic reflection of the performance of the self-proclaimed exemplary police of the federal capital.

The compiled data of Comparative Crime Statement depicts a grim picture of the situation as 426 motorcycle theft cases were registered this year as compared to the 177 in the corresponding year.

As compared to rural areas, the figures of bike lifting in the suburban areas were extraordinary, where more force is deployed besides installation of security cameras under safe city project.

The ratio of the recovery and apprehending the culprits is also unsatisfactory, incurring public wrath over failure of the police to control criminal activity.

The highest number of bike theft cases were reported in the area of Saddar Zone - Margalla, G-9, Golra, Tarnol, Shalimar and Ramna police stations, where some 167 cases were registered. Similarly, in the jurisdiction of Industrial Area Zone, 106 cases were reported.

Around 75 cases were reported against bike theft in City Zone alone this year while 53 in 2017. Likewise, more cases were reported in Khanna, Nilore, Koral, Sihala and Lohi Bher police stations situated in rural areas of the federal capital, where 84 cases of bike lifting or snatching were registered as compared to 32 last year.

The year 2018 also witnessed an increase of 2,207 cases related to robbery and car lifting. The police statistics showed that around 225 cars were also stolen as compared to 138 cars taken away in 2017.

The citizens had lost their property worth millions of rupees in 466 robbery and 340 burglaries and 367 theft incidents.

As many as 106 people were murdered and another 147 were subjected to murderous attempts as compared to 85 murder and 142 attempted murder case in 2017.

Of the total, 32 dacoity cases were also reported, while the number of kidnapped and molestation cases was 357. Meanwhile, 2,134 cases of different nature were also registered.

The police in response, claimed to have recovered millions of rupees from the robbers and arrested 125 accused and 18 gangs consisting of 42 members. The 101 cars and 63 motorbikes were also recovered from the law breakers.

The police spokesman said Inspector General of Police (IGP) had directed all police officials to ensure effective measures for protecting the lives and property of the citizens and adopting courteous attitude with citizens and perform duties in a professional manner.Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Syed Waqaruddin

SSP Waqaruddin said every possible effort was being made to ensure protection of the lives and property of the citizens while `Open Kutcheries' were being organised to address the grievances and the problems of the citizens immediately. Resolving public problems would be on top priority and no laxity by any police official in this regard would be tolerated, he said.  

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2018.