LAHORE: Street crime incidents saw a surge in the city in the month of Ramazan, data available with Daily Times shows. The average daily incidents reported in the month were almost double the average number reported in the earlier months of the year. Statistics show that on an average around seven and eight car and 15 to 18 motorbike snatching incidents were reported during Ramazan. In comparison, the average number of car and motorbike snatching incidents reported in earlier months were two to three and seven to eight, respectively. Similarly, the average number of cell phone snatching incidents also saw an upward trajectory. While around eight and 10 incidents had been reported across the city in months before Ramazan, the average rose to around 15 and 17 during the holy month. The rise in average number of these incidents was higher in Saddar, City and Model Town divisions compared to other divisions of the city. Dissatisfied with police’s performance, several citizens DT spoke to question the effectiveness of pickets and patrolling teams if street crime could not be controlled by them. They said that going by the number of pickets and teams of Mujahid Force, Dolphin Force, Tiger Squad, Muhafiz Force, Quick Response Force, the Police Response Unite and Elite Force patrolling city areas around the clock, the city gives the appearance of a fortress. However, despite these measures the police were unable to protect the property of the citizens, they complained. That’s because the police forces are busy protecting the very important and very very important personalities (VIPs and VVIPs) including politicians and police and other government higher ups, they said. They also complained that police were not discharging their duties honestly. “The party with money can easily buy their [police] loyalties,” they aid. They said that the government’s claims about transforming the thana culture seemed baseless as ground realities were different. “It’s well known that street crime increases during Ramazan. Why don’t they [the police] take any precautionary measures then?” they asked. Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Amin Wains said elimination of street crimes remained his top priority. “We are devising a comprehensive strategy for the purpose,” he said, “I have directed police officials to ensure timely action on all complaints. Those who showing dereliction in performance of their duty are dealt wit6h strictly.” DIG (Operations) Haider Ashraf said additional police squads had been deployed at major city markets for Jummatul Wida and ahead of the Eid holidays.. Published in Daily Times, June 24th, 2017.