Criminal Incidents
KARACHI: A recent report by the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) has revealed that Karachi witnessed 5,960 criminal incidents in August, with the majority involving snatching and theft, on Monday.
The data highlights the ongoing challenges of street crime in the port city, which continues to see a high volume of criminal activities despite efforts by law enforcement agencies.
According to the CPLC report, out of the total incidents reported in August, 5,951 cases involved the snatching and theft of mobile phones, motorbikes, and other vehicles. This breakdown shows the pervasive nature of street crime, where both theft and snatching incidents are alarmingly frequent.
Specifically, the report notes that 150 cars were stolen, while 23 others were snatched at gunpoint. Additionally, there were 656 cases of motorcycle snatching, with a staggering 3,385 motorcycles stolen from various parts of Karachi.
Mobile phone snatchings also remained a significant issue, with 1,737 devices forcibly taken from citizens during the month.
Beyond theft and snatching, the CPLC report also documented more severe crimes. There were three reported cases of kidnapping for ransom and six incidents of extortion in Karachi in August.
These figures add another layer to the complex crime landscape in the city, which has been struggling with both petty and organized criminal activities.
Looking at the broader picture, earlier reports indicated that over 44,000 criminal incidents were recorded in Karachi in the first seven months of 2024.
During this period, more than 31,000 incidents involved the theft and snatching of motorcycles, along with over 1,000 cases of car theft and snatching. These statistics underscore the persistent issue of street crime, which has continued to challenge law enforcement and governance in the city.
In a meeting held on September 4 with a four-member delegation from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) at the Central Police Office, Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon stated that effective and extraordinary measures have led to a significant decrease in street crime and an extraordinary increase in case detection.
He emphasized that the Sindh government is committed to providing the necessary resources to police stations, ensuring budgetary autonomy, and offering health insurance for police personnel. Moreover, modern surveillance cameras are being installed throughout the city to aid in the elimination of crime.
The Inspector General also reiterated that the primary goal of the police force is to eradicate crime and ensure public safety. In line with this, the Sindh government has been actively supporting the police by enhancing facilities and modernizing resources.
Earlier this year, when Karachi saw an extraordinary surge in street crimes, Sindh’s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon attributed the rise to “illegal settlers” in the city.
He claimed that these settlers were a significant cause of street crime and that the provincial government was making every possible effort to control the situation.
“The Sindh government is making every possible effort to control street crimes,” Memon said, pointing to the complex dynamics contributing to Karachi’s crime rates.
Overall, while there have been some reported improvements in crime detection, Karachi continues to grapple with high levels of street crime, theft, and organized crime, requiring ongoing efforts and strategies to restore peace and safety in the city.
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