Crime rate at 3-year low: police

The crime rate in Lahore has reached its lowest in three years, with heinous crimes showing a significant 46% decrease in October compared to the same month last year, according to data from the 15 Emergency Helpline.

The report highlighted a total of 2,663 major crimes recorded this October, down sharply from 5,814 in October 2023.

This marks the first month in three years that the number of heinous crime cases has fallen below 5,000, signifying a positive trend in the city's safety metrics, according to DIG Operations Muhammad Faisal Kamran.

Robbery cases saw the largest decrease, dropping 77% from 1,577 cases in October 2023 to 441 in October this year.

Burglary incidents also declined, with 288 cases reported compared to 466 in October 2023, a 39% reduction. Notably, there were no gunpoint car snatchings reported, a first in recent years, while car thefts dropped by over 60%.

Motorcycle thefts and snatchings also showed improvements, with reductions of 62% and 43%, respectively.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, DIG Kamran attributed this decline to strategic initiatives including increased police presence, enhanced use of Safe City cameras, and the deployment of officers in hotspot areas identified through crime mapping technology.

"Our data-driven approach, alongside a focus on merit-based appointments and community trust-building, has helped achieve this reduction," he explained.

The DIG highlighted that strict monitoring of daily crime reports and accountability across the force have been instrumental in maintaining this downward trend. Consistent declines were also noted in previous months. According to the 15 call data report, crime rates for July, August and September were, on average, 39% lower compared to the same months in 2023, despite challenges posed by frequent public protests and rallies requiring significant police resources.

DIG Kamran credited this success to targeted policing strategies and strong community cooperation.

"The public's trust in the police has been invaluable in achieving these results," he said. Kamran also expressed appreciation for the dedication of Lahore's police personnel, acknowledging the risks they face daily.