Daily Times

LAHORE: Despite the efforts and measures taken by the government and tall claims of law enforcement agencies for busting gangs, the citizens are still depriving their cars, bikes and other valuables worth more than billions during last four months.

Atleast five people had lost their lives in such incidents while more than 40 people were injured as the assailants opened fire on them for not cooperating or due to unknown reasons. The Muhafiz Police, Mujahid Police Force, Quick Response Force, Tiger Squad, Police Response Unit, newly established Dolphin Force and so many other wings of police and law enforcement agencies remained no good for protecting any of the victims.

During the last four months at least 150 people had been murdered in different incidents across the city, more than 1000 cases registered on the charges of bikes or cars theft, around 1100 cases registered on the charges of snatch vehicles, however, more than three thousands cases has been registered against heinous crime charges in 84 police stations of the city.

The data obtained from the Police department has revealed that there were more than 1000 incidents of snatching mainly targeting handbags, mobile phones, cash, cars, motorcycles and jewelry took places in different parts of the city.

The police authorities also set a plan to counter such criminals on the occasion yet they remain successful in most of their endeavors due to the loopholes in the system including contacts inside the department, police’s failure to cover all the areas and the criminal gangs having associations with very influential people who protect them in a rainy day.

However, the numbers of innocent citizens despite they had deprived their valuables to robbers do not bother to register these crimes with the police in order to avoid further hassle they would have to face in form of repeated visits to and from the police stations and yet mostly no overcome of all that effort.

The citizens believe that “thana” (police station) culture imposed by the government itself is a great help to these robbers and snatchers because the lesser the number of cases the lesser there will be the chances for these criminals to get caught and face the justice.

While talking to the Daily Times, citizens Ashraf, Shazad, Haji Ilyas, Asif and others said that unemployment, mobiles, motorbikes, purse and handbags snatching incidents are increasing very high for last few months. They said that different gangs of teenage boys, criminals and proclaimed offenders are moving freely in the city roads on the rented bikes and deprived the innocent citizens from their valuables and easily flee.

They said that maximum police officers/officials have been deputed with VIPs, govt officials, foreigners and the remaining force is busy securing their own high-ups and their offices. On the other side different gangs with the help of their associates in police are busy in looting and brutally killing the citizens on the streets of this city, they added.