On guard: Crime rate down in Jan, Feb, say police

Fewer cases of theft, murder, car snatching etc registered.

ISLAMABAD: Incidents of crime have considerably gone down over the past two months, compared to the corresponding period last year, said police.

In a statement released by the office of police spokesperson, the police attributed the decline in crime rate to “firm action against outlaws and criminals by the police”.

In all, 18 murders, two robberies, 29 burglaries, 36 snatchings, 75 car thefts and 13 motorbike thefts were reported in different police stations. In comparison, 19 murders, four robberies, 32 burglaries, 58 snatchings, 137 car thefts and 36 motorbike thefts were registered in the corresponding period in 2011.

Police spokesperson said 1,021 cases were registered in various police stations of the capital during this year and challans of 502 cases were submitted in courts after the completion of investigations.

A total of 104 pistols, 989 rounds, six Kalashnikovs, nine guns, 68kg hashish, 4kg heroin, 5kg opium and 1,800 wine bottles were seized in January and February.

The statement said that Islamabad Inspector General of Police Bani Amin Khan (IGP) Bani Amin Khan has directed police squads escorting the IGP, Deputy Inspector Generals and Senior Superintendants of Police to patrol the city after dropping the officers to their respective offices or homes. Various rings of security were set up with provision of more logistic support for police.

Elite vehicles have been provided to police stations while security measures were enhanced at halting points and police pickets. Moreover 158 court absconders, 78 proclaimed offenders, 28 gamblers were arrested while 33 stolen and tempered vehicles were also recovered, the press handout said.

The IGP said that police have been directed to focus on detection of crime. Khan said the police officials were directed to complete investigations on all pending cases within 14 days.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2012.