Police grapple with surge in crime rate

Robberies, violence surpass previous record

DIJKOT:

Over the past four and a half months, incidents of robbery, burglary, vehicle theft, domestic violence and crimes targeting factories and general stores have surpassed the previous year's statistics.

A staggering total of 18,434 reported incidents have occurred across the district, resulting in the loss of six lives and injuries to 84 citizens. The cumulative financial loss suffered by the victims exceeds Rs700 million.

Protests by local people expressing their dissatisfaction with the performance of the police have resulted in road blockades at various locations.

During the period, robbers made away with 4,846 motorcycles, 30 rickshaws and 49 cars in Faisalabad district.

Additionally, 136 houses and 109 factories were targeted by robbers.

According to police data, within the jurisdiction of 44 police stations in the district, six fatalities occurred as robbers resorted to shooting. They also injured 84 people who attempted to resist the robberies.

An overview of registered cases showed 4,365 of them were registered under section 392 (robbery), 121 under section 395 (dacoity), 48 under section 382 (theft), 167 under section 356 (assault with intent to commit theft), 3,200 under section 457-380 (housebreaking and theft), 883 cases of stolen motorcycles, 14 of stolen cars, 27 of domestic incidents, 109 of domestic robberies and 15 cases of factory robberies were reported throughout the district.

Moreover, 3,963 incidents of motorcycle theft, 35 of car theft and 30 of rickshaw and truck theft were recorded.

In response to the escalating crime rate, citizens resorted to taking matters into their own hands, apprehending and even committing violence against suspected robbers.

Seven people were killed, while a dozen others were injured during the period in police encounters and clashes with the public.

Efforts to curb street crime in the city included the establishment of the 'Hawks Force' in addition to the Dolphin Police. However, the district police struggled to control the surge in criminal activities.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^th, 2023.