LAHORE, Dec 15: Punjab police IG on Thursday said an upsurge in crime against property, especially vehicles, in Lahore had adversely affected overall situation in the province. “The police in Lahore need to be pulled up. The crime rise in Lahore has affected the crime chart in rest of the province,” a source quoted the IGP, Ziaul Hasan Khan, who said it while addressing Lahore police hierarchy during a meeting held at the Central Police Office, which was attended by all DIGs and DPOs.

Mr Khan admitted there had been an increase in the crime against property, especially snatching and lifting of vehicles, in Lahore. Lahore police record shows that more than 3,000 four-wheelers and motorcycles were either snatched or stolen from the city in the current year.

When contacted, Lahore police chief DIG Tariq Saleem said by phone that more resources and manpower would be provided to the anti car-lifting squad to control vehicle crime. “We have decided to strengthen the squad”, he said and added more steps would be taken to bust gangs involved in such crimes.

However, the IGP said more gangs of criminals involved in heinous crimes had been busted in the current year as compared to the last year. He added booty worth Rs900 million and a large number of illicit weapons were seized from the criminals, which helped reduce overall crime in Punjab.

Reviewing the pace of campaign against illicit weapons and organized crimes, the IGP expressed satisfaction, and directed the force to utilize all resources to make the campaign more successful.

The provincial police chief directed the DIGs and DPOs to make more efforts to get implemented the orders of Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi with regard to operation against cattle thefts. He asked them to take action against the patrons of such thieves without any discrimination.

The meeting decided to set up police posts on all entry and exit points of the Punjab to control the illicit weapon smuggling and transportation of stolen vehicles to other provinces. It also discussed installation of close-circuit cameras in all major cities of the province to help control crimes against property.

The IGP told the meeting that setting up of 181 police patrol posts on highways had helped control crimes significantly. More posts would be set up, he added.

Mr Khan directed the officials to take effective measures against religious extremists and seize all kind of literature aimed at fanning hatred.