TAXILA, Jan 13: An alarming increase in crimes, especially murder, attempt to murder, robbery, kidnapping for ransom, burglary and vehicle theft cases, was recorded in Taxila and Wah Cantonment during the year 2010.

Official crime data available with this correspondent showed that despite financial incentives announced by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for the police, the crime could not be controlled.

According to the crime data, a total of 1,510 cases were registered with the police in 2010 compared to 1,426 in 2009.

As many as 221 cases of heinous crimes like murder, attempt to murder, robbery and kidnapping for ransom were registered during the year against 167 in 2009. The number of murder and attempt to murder cases remained 43 and 42, respectively, against 42 and 32 in 2009.

As many as 45 kidnapping for ransom cases were reported against 27 in 2009. The data showed that compared to four cases in 2009, 11 robberies were registered during 2010. House robbery cases rose from seven in 2009 to 17. Four motorcycles were snatched on gunpoint in 2010 compared to only one in 2009. Similarly, motorcycles theft cases doubled from 12 in 2009. As many as 42 other vehicles were stolen while in 2009 the number was 23.

Surge in property-related cases was also observed with 360 cases compared to 228 in the preceding year.

The police efficiency in rooting out gambling den, nabbing proclaimed offenders and court absconders also remained low.

There were 66 proclaimed offenders in 2009 and 10 more were added to the list by different courts in 2010. However, the police arrested only 10 proclaimed offenders during the year. Similarly, 41 court absconders wanted in 2009 remained untraced. Besides, the police also failed to arrest any of the 14 armed forces absconders since 2008.

When contacted, police officials said they had less than the sanctioned strength of personnel. They said the Wah Cantt police were working with less strength than what was sanctioned in 1981.