ISLAMABAD: As many as 617 suspects have been arrested during the ongoing year for their alleged involvement in various crimes and valuables worth more than Rs343.5 million were recovered from their possession, said Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Dr Syed Mustafa Tanveer on Sunday.

“Islamabad police have achieved remarkable success and nabbed criminals wanted in criminal cases of heinous nature,” he said, adding 133 criminal gangs were busted and 332 people involved in crime of heinous nature were arrested. He said 617 people were held for their involvement in property-related crimes and police recovered looted items worth Rs343.5 million from them, including 149 vehicles and 88 motorcycles.

Furthermore, 121 suspects belonging to 49 gangs were arrested for being involved in robbery cases while 129 suspects from 51 gangs were held for involvement in burglary and theft cases. Similarly, police busted 33 gangs comprising 82 criminals involved in theft of vehicles and motorcycles. A total 559 cases were forwarded to relevant courts after completion of investigation.

SSP Dr Tanveer said that a special night patrolling plan had been chalked out for prevention of crime and Additional SP Farhat Abbas Kazmi is looking into it. He said senior police officials of the entire district remained present in their respective areas and coordinated efforts for effective policing.

Mr Tanveer reiterated that criminal elements would not be spared and those involved in crime would have to face action as per law. He directed all police officials to take effective patrolling measures and remain vigilant in their respective areas.

He asked officials to promote community policing as the cooperation of citizens is crucial to curb crime and urged citizens to inform police in case they noticed any suspicious activities around them.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2021