Daily Times

LAHORE: Police have failed to control street crime as dacoits, robbers and other criminals have taken over control of the provincial capital, depriving citizens of their precious belongings while beating or even killing those who try to resist their moves.

Sources in the police department told Daily Times that despite establishing more police squads to protect the lives and properties of innocent citizens, street crimes as well as heinous crimes are increasing in the city, especially during the last two months. Sources said that there were more than 1,000 incidents of snatching, mainly targeting handbags, mobile phones, cash and jewellery, which took place in different parts of the city.

It is pertinent to mention that the performance of Dolphin Squad is still a question mark as recently some Dolphin Squad officials were found playing cricket in a ground with children rather than performing their official duties. Besides, an FIR of taking bribe had also been registered against some officials. Many other officers were also observed racing with their heavy bikes.

A citizen Tanver Saleem, resident of Lyyton Road, told Daily Times that he along with his family were at home on November 24 when two unknown persons entered his house and took them hostage on gunpoint and looted cash and other valuables worth Rs 0.5 million.

He said that this was the third such incident in last few weeks, adding that police failed to trace any clue of any incident till date.

The data obtained from the department has revealed that more than 18 to 20 robberies and snatching incidents had occurred across the city during the last few months but these incidents have increased alarmingly to 40-50 now.

Dacoits, thieves and gangsters have bypassed all security measures in making the lives of citizens a living hell and the spell of street crimes is a continued obstacle in their daily lives.

The Muhafiz Police, Mujahid Police Force, Quick Response Force, Tiger Squad, Police Response Unit, Dolphin Force and so other wings of police and law enforcement agencies remained no good for protecting any of the victims.

It was learnt through the reliable police sources that criminal gangs working in the outskirts of the city collaborate with each other and target the posh and urban localities of Lahore on daily basis.

The sources also mentioned that robbers’ insiders in the police department provide them with details about the police patrolling plans and other important information to ensure that there were no cops around when they rob, steal or kill.

While talking to the Daily Times during survey, citizens said that unemployment, mobiles, motorbikes, purse and handbags snatching incidents are increasing with every passing day. They said that different gangs of teenage boys, criminals and proclaimed offenders are moving freely on the city roads on rented bikes and deprived the innocent citizens from their valuables and easily flee.

While presenting his report on the alarming street crime situation, DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf had said that Dolphin Force and Police Response Unit are playing an important part in maintaining the law and order situation in the city. He said that both squads had arrested around 288 criminals found in street crimes, adding that Dolphin Squad also recovered around 68 vehicles and 78 motorcycles that were stolen. He further said that Police Response Unit recovered 92 pistols, 13 rifles, 550 bullets, 21kg chars, 3kg heroine and 1300 litres of liquor. Similarly, he added, PRU also arrested 80 heinous criminals. He observed that all these squads caused massive decrease in the street crime activities across the city.