The Punjab police, in collaboration with a private organisation, have launched a campaign asking owners to install a new system in their vehicles to protect against car thefts.
The new system “Chip Card Reading Device” can be obtained from Rescue 15 Rawalpindi by paying a one-off fee of Rs6,800, which includes Rs800 for installation charges.
Save the Nation Chairperson Ziaul Qamar told APP that the new electronic device is installed in the vehicle and the owner is issued two chip cards, which work just like an electronic key. In case of theft or snatching, he said, the vehicle’s engine stops working within 45 seconds.
Ziaul Qamar said his organisation is engaged in providing information to Rawalpindi and Islamabad police on the steps that can be taken to curb car theft. “Anti-theft devices are just what you need to safeguard the vehicle. The cost of devices is not a lot, but goes a long way in enhancing the safety of the vehicle.”
A police official said, “We are advising people to take adequate precautions.”
The official added that most vehicles do not have a security system, such as alarms or secret locks, making it easier for criminals to break in. “But the real problem is carelessness. Most drivers do not bother to find a safe place to park their vehicle or even ensure that their vehicle is locked and the windows are up. Many of them also leave valuables inside in visible places, which increases the risk of theft.”
Professional thieves use a master key or use a metal tool, he added. According to police data, 132,247 vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, were stolen in Punjab in the past 25 years. The police recovered 35,971 of these.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 13th, 2011.
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