10-month stats: Crime on rise in Rawalpindi

Compared to last year, 13% rise recorded.

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi police have failed to control crime in the city as 4,620 cases of murder, attempted murder, armed robberies, kidnapping for ransom, burglaries and theft have been reported in the past 10 months.

This year, a 12.95 per cent rise has been witnessed compared to crimes reported in the same period last year.

Inadequate security measures by the police have cost residents 898 cars and 921 motorcycles against 672 cars and 868 motorcycles last year, besides millions of rupees in cash and kind.

This year, 266 people were killed in various incidents of violence compared to 211 in 2012 and 102 in 2011. Attempted murder cases stood at 390 against 421 last year and 182 in 2011.

19 people were killed during robberies this year against eight last year while three persons were kidnapped for ransom.

Moreover, four prisoners managed to escape from police custody compared to five last year.

Also, according to data shared by the police, 42 incidents of rape were reported this year against 20 last year. Besides, 15 incidents of gang rape were also reported as opposed to seven in the corresponding period last year.

Accidents also increased this year, with 110 fatal and 171 non-fatal incidents reported since January.

Armed robberies witnessed a remarkable rise, as 64 such cases were registered compared to 48 last year.

However, under section 382/356, related to robbery, 170 cases were reported compared to 192 last year. Burglary reports stand at 423 against 470 last year.

Moreover, 30 cars and 53 motorcycles were snatched at gunpoint against 41 and 46 last year.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2013.