Daily Times

In a revealing analysis by Multan police, nearly 80 percent of individuals involved in crimes across the city were found to have past criminal records, underscoring a persistent issue of re-offense.

The revelation, based on a thorough review of CCTV footage and records of known offenders, highlights a disturbing trend where habitual criminals continue to re-engage in unlawful activities, raising concerns about gaps in crime deterrence and rehabilitation.

This discovery came to light after officials undertook an in-depth analysis of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras installed in crime-prone areas. The police source confirmed that “about 80 percent of criminals apprehended had prior records, while nearly 20 percent were first-time offenders.” Over recent months, police intensified efforts to scrutinize crime footage from strategically placed surveillance cameras, a move that has not only enabled quick identifications but also provided best evidence of repeat offenses. As a result, law enforcement has been able to accelerate responses and often apprehend suspects shortly after crimes are committed.

October 2024 saw a notable decline in Multan’s crime rate, dropping by an impressive 43 percent compared to October of 2023, and it is largely attributed to these surveillance measures and technological advances in crime detection. Police officials encouraged businessmen and other residents to consider installing CCTV cameras in high-risk areas, stressing the direct impact on both crime prevention and case resolution.

Circulating footage among investigative officers often led to prompt identifications, as officers familiar with offenders recognized many suspects at once. “Through this footage, many repeat offenders became instantly recognizable, streamlining the arrest process,” said a senior police official.

Beyond visual identification, Multan Police have built a comprehensive databank containing fingerprints and facial images of known criminals, which has proven beneficial in identifying suspects. The repository enables quick cross-referencing, helping investigators to link suspects with prior records across various cases. Police sources explained that numerous suspects detained for crimes such as theft, burglary, and assault had extensive histories, a finding that highlights the depth of the issue with repeat offenders and the potential for rehabilitative or corrective actions.

In recent months, law enforcement has also tackled a concerning rise in organized crime related to cattle theft. Several gangs, notorious for their involvement in livestock thefts, followed a consistent pattern: they would break into cattle pens at midnight, tie-up caretakers to prevent interference, and drive the animals away in trucks. “Our special squad studied these trends and successfully tracked down the offenders,” said City Police Officer Sadique Dogar. Following a strategic investigation, law enforcement set up checkpoints along the routes frequently used by these criminals, which resulted in the eradicating several theft rings, Dogar added.

City Police Officer Sadique Dogar, who led much of this initiative, maintained that his department remains resolute in addressing violent crimes, particularly cases involving robbery and assault.

Over the past few years, Multan police have resolved multiple cases where traders were killed during dacoities. CPO Dogar cited these cases as priorities due to their gravity. “Cases involving robbery with injury or murder are heinous and demand a focused response,” Dogar asserted.

His department continue to pursue these cases as challenges to be met with urgency and precision.

As part of an ongoing modernization effort, the Multan Police have also been equipped officers with technology that enable the police officials to access an individual’s criminal history instantly.