Action against scrap dealers buying stolen items resulting in decrease in crime: IGP

A 15-member delegation of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) led by Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya called on Sindh Inspector of Police (IGP) General Ghulam Nabi Memon at his office on Wednesday.

Officials said the delegation discussed in the meeting the law and order situation in the city, industrial and commercial activities and other necessary issues and measures. Later, the delegation also visited the Command and Control Centre at the Central Police Office Karachi and inspected the monitoring of various places in the city with the help of modern cameras.

The DIGs of establishment, headquarters Sindh, Karachi traffic and East Zone were also present at the meeting held at the Central Police Office Karachi.

The IGP briefed the participants on the crime prevention measures in the meeting. He said that all measures related to prevention of drugs, including installation of cameras at various places, recruitment of prosecutors, establishment of special courts, ensuring police surveillance system at entry and exit points, integration of police stations and capacity building were being taken on a priority basis.

He said the Sindh police and KATI had a longstanding relationship and they both would make Karachi a safer place.

IGP Memon said the Sindh Police were facing challenges like terrorism and street crime. He told the delegation of industrialists and business community that they were among major stakeholders of the city and offered employment and livelihood to people.

He said unemployment was one of the main factors behind crime as unemployed persons, especially youth, were the main targets of criminal elements.

The IGP said that on the police’s request, citizens had ensured measures like installation of about 40,000 cameras to protect streets, neighbourhoods and areas outside their homes. He added that according to a report released by The Karachi police, of the 3,000 scrap dealers in Karachi city, 354 had been found involved in the sale and purchase of suspicious and stolen goods and the systematic and successful action of the police against such scrap dealers and subsequent arrests had resulted in a marked decrease in the incidents of crime.

The KATI delegation assured the Sindh police chief of all possible support and cooperation for making the city crime-free. The industrialists’ delegation offered all kinds of cooperation and support in the establishment of the proposed drug rehabilitation centres of the police.

They said the industrialists were with the Sindh police for making the city safe and a haven of peace. Due to the steps of the Sindh police, crime rate had gone down, the KATI delegation said.