Pickups over bikes: muggers upgrade their ride

CCTV captures Bahadurabad car break-in and PIB Colony mugging

KARACHI:

Criminals in the metropolis have shifted their modus operandi, increasingly using double-cabin vehicles instead of motorcycles to carry out thefts, as two CCTV-captured incidents underscore the growing impunity with which muggers operate in the city.

In the first incident, three suspects arrived in a white double-cabin pickup and targeted a parked car in Bahadurabad, within the limits of New Town police station.

CCTV footage showed one suspect standing guard while the others smashed the vehicle's window and entered it, making off with valuables.

The footage revealed that two of the suspects were dressed alike and did not try to hide their identi-ties, acting with apparent confidence before fleeing the scene.

The incident reportedly occurred around 5:30am on April 15. However, despite the passage of several days, police have yet to trace the suspects or the vehicle used in the crime.

In a second incident, three motorcycle-riding suspects robbed a citizen at gunpoint in PIB Colony. CCTV footage showed the suspects intercepting the victim and snatching his new motorcycle along with cash before escaping.

Police said investigations were under way, but no arrests had been made so far despite the availability of CCTV footage in both cases.

Father-son

crime ring busted

District Central Police arrested an eight-member street crime gang in the Taimuria area, which included a father-son duo among its key members. The group, active for four to six months, is linked to over 100 robberies across the city.

Police recovered 13 mobile phones, eight watches, 13 stolen identity cards, bags, six pistols, two repli-ca weapons and three motorcycles. The suspects, led by Mansoor Ahmed with operational support from his son Fahad, typically struck between 1am and 3am in areas including Liaquatabad, Sharae Faisal and Lyari Expressway.

Investigators said the gang targeted young citizens, forcing victims to unlock phones on the spot to access banking apps. Some members handled robberies, while others specialised in altering IMEI numbers and reselling stolen smartphones. The group frequently changed rented hideouts to evade arrest.

Cases have been registered at Taimuria police station, and efforts are underway to trace victims and expand the investigation.