Motorcycle theft wave grips cities across Punjab

Despite the CCD claiming a drop in crime rate, countless citizens continue to have their bikes stolen

PAKISTAN:

While the Punjab government maintains that crime has declined by 65 per cent following the establishment of the Crime Control Department (CCD), official data presents a contrasting picture, particularly regarding motorcycle theft and gunpoint snatching.

Although crime rates in various categories fluctuate over time in Punjab, motorcycle theft — affecting the most affordable mode of transportation for the common citizen — has shown a consistent upward trajectory. In the last ten years alone, more than 650,000 cases of motorcycle theft and snatching have been reported. Of these, over 542,000 were theft cases, while more than 93,000 involved motorcycles being snatched at gunpoint. The actual number of incidents is believed to be significantly higher than reported figures.

A year-by-year review of the data shows a steady increase. In 2016, 14,710 motorcycles were reported stolen and 3,550 were snatched. The following year, 2017, saw 15,475 thefts and 3,450 snatchings. In 2018, thefts rose to 18,831 while snatchings reached 3,536. The upward trend continued in 2019, with 23,775 thefts and 5,000 snatchings recorded. In 2020, 20,519 thefts and 3,621 snatchings were reported. The year 2021 marked a significant spike, with more than 38,000 thefts and 6,800 gunpoint snatchings.

The situation escalated further in subsequent years. In 2022, 6,350 thefts and 10,630 snatchings were reported. In 2023, thefts surged dramatically to 111,200 — the highest on record — along with over 18,000 snatchings. The rising pattern continued in 2024, when more than 133,000 motorcycles were stolen and over 20,000 were snatched. In 2025, over 75,000 thefts and 11,000 snatchings were recorded. By February 2026 alone, more than 22,000 thefts and 1,700 snatchings had already been reported.

The provincial capital, Lahore, ranks first in motorcycle theft cases. Meanwhile, the southern Punjab districts of Multan, Khanewal, and Bahawalnagar lead in motorcycle snatching incidents. Other cities significantly affected include Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Rawalpindi, and Sheikhupura.

Victims have voiced frustration over the lack of recoveries despite registering cases. Some complainants have alleged police corruption, claiming that suspects are released after paying bribes, while others are reportedly killed in staged police encounters, resulting in no recovery of stolen property.

Former Inspector General of Police Muhammad Azam Joya stated that crime rates varied over different periods, but maintaining the writ of the police remained crucial. “Motorcycle theft continues to rise because it is an easy target for criminals. Limited Safe City camera coverage and weak locking systems on motorcycles contribute significantly to the problem. Motorcycles without proper locks should not be allowed to park in designated areas. Manufacturers should upgrade their locking systems to modern standards,” implored Joya.

Public policy advisor and social activist Professor Salman Abid acknowledged that while the creation of the Crime Control Department may have strengthened the perception of police authority and temporarily reduced certain crimes, motorcycle theft and snatching incidents continued to increase. “There is a need for more effective police patrolling and stronger preventive measures. Motorcycle manufacturers have failed to install modern security systems despite charging substantial prices,” noted Abid.

On the other hand, a spokesperson for the CCD Punjab asserted that the department was actively working to eliminate serious crimes. The department claims its operations have resulted in an 80 per cent overall reduction in major crimes, including a 78 per cent decrease in robberies, a 39 per cent reduction in murder cases, and an 80 per cent decline in home robberies. The spokesperson further claimed a 69 per cent reduction in motorcycle theft and a 50 per cent decrease in car snatching incidents, stating that CCD operations have dismantled criminal networks and restored public confidence.