ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police has been successful in curbing crime during the ongoing year as stolen items worth Rs194.8 million including vehicles, gold, motorcycles and cash have been recovered from criminals.

Speaking at a ceremony, held to return recovered valuables to their owners, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Qazi Jamilur Rehman appreciated DIG (Operations) Afzaal Ahmed Kausar and his team for their efforts.

He expressed hope that the team would continue working towards curbing crime.

Around 117 suspects were held for their involvement in 105 robbery and snatching cases. Police recovered cash Rs23.8 million, five vehicles and seven motorcycles from them; around 27 criminal gangs were busted while 120 others involved in burglaries and snatching incidents were also held.

Another 26 gangs were busted besides arrest of 67 suspects and recovery of 40 vehicles worth Rs63.5 million from 24 auto-thieves involved in 46 cases. He said 53 motorcycles worth Rs3.3 million were also recovered after arrest of 49 persons wanted in 53 cases. As many as 24 vehicles worth Rs13.9 million stolen from various districts of the country were also recovered and relevant police heads of several districts have been intimated about them.

Around 144 proclaimed offenders wanted in murder and kidnapping cases registered in 2003, 2009 and 2013 were also arrested along with 300 court absconders. Six blind murder cases were resolved during this period and 12 alleged assassins were arrested.

Talking to journalists, Mr Rehman said police have started a campaign to enhance coordination with citizens and resolve their issues. On a daily basis, police officers meet with citizens at markets and public places while a policy of immediate registration of FIRs is being ensured.

Police guides have been deployed at police stations to facilitate visitors and an e-desk has been set up for registration of complaints. He said police is in contact with different personalities belonging to various schools of thought for feedback about police training policy.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2021