Street crime remains long-standing issue: IG

Sindh Inspector General (IG) Ghulam Nabi Memon has said that the issue of street crimes has long been a persistent problem.

"Over the past three years, approximately 40,000 CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the city, based on our estimates. Additionally, significant measures have been taken against Jirgas, resulting in registered cases and subsequent actions," he said.

Speaking to the media at Sindh High Court (SHC), IG Sindh said that effective operations have been carried out to combat crimes in the Kutcha area, where intelligence-based operations are underway. He also assured that the court's orders regarding Jirgas will be strictly followed, with appropriate actions already initiated.

Additionally, significant improvement has been observed in Ghotki and Shikarpur districts, Memon said, adding that camps have been set up in the Kutcha area to arrest the outlaws.

Regarding street crimes, IG Sindh acknowledged that it remains a longstanding issue. He called upon citizens and the police to support the victims of street crimes. "In cases of crime, FIRs must be registered promptly, and any Station House Officers (SHOs) displaying negligence in this regard will be relieved of duties as per my instructions as the IG", Memon said.

He further emphasised that it is unacceptable for SHOs not registering FIR. In recognition of exemplary performance, rewards have been granted to the investigating officers (IOs).

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24^th, 2023.