Police claim 47pc decrease in crime rate in Nov

LAHORE : The City has witnessed a significant reduction in crime rates for the fifth consecutive month, with serious offences seeing a 47pc decrease in November 2024 compared to the same month last year.

According to data collected through the Police Emergency Helpline 15, this decline reflects sustained efforts by law enforcement under an enhanced strategy to combat criminal activity.

A detailed analysis of the data reveals a marked decrease in various categories of crime compared to November 2023. Robbery incidents dropped by 60pc while street crimes such as mugging fell by 62pc. Snatching cases also saw a 45pc decline, with motorcycle theft decreasing by 39pc and motorcycle snatching incidents going down by 37 pc. Theft of other vehicles witnessed a reduction of 25 pc, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted policing.

Highlighting the department’s success, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran disclosed that in the last month, 443 suspects from 200 criminal gangs were apprehended. Police recovered stolen items worth Rs91.5 million, which included 467 motorcycles, seven cars, eight rickshaws, 293 mobile phones, gold, and other valuables. Law enforcement also confiscated a significant cache of weapons, including five Kalashnikov rifles, 17 rifles, 17 shotguns, 472 pistols, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Efforts to capture fugitives yielded further results, with 1,806 proclaimed offenders and 909 court absconders taken into custody.

In a robust anti-narcotics campaign, police detained 821 suspects and seized 785 kilograms of hashish, two kilograms of heroin, seven kilograms of methamphetamine (ice), and 5,051 liters of alcohol. Social welfare efforts included the arrest of 376 individuals involved in illegal gambling, with Rs1.2 million in gambling stakes confiscated.

Additionally, multiple operations targeted beggary and kite flying, ensuring compliance with the law. The Police Protection Center also addressed cases of domestic violence and harassment, resulting in 157 FIRs and the arrest of 41 suspects involved in sexual assault cases. The department further reunited nine missing children with their families, highlighting its commitment to public welfare.