RAWALPINDI, March 29: Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi here on Wednesday said crime rate, especially the incidents of dacoity, robbery and motorcycle snatching on highways and adjoining areas, has reduced by 40 per cent due to establishment of highway police patrolling posts.

He was presiding over a meeting held to monitor and evaluate the performance of the police patrolling posts project.

The chief minister also launched the helpline-1124 for improving the efficiency of the patrolling posts.

Provincial minister for law and local government Mohammad Basharat Raja, Chief Secretary Salman Saddique, Inspector General of Police Ziaul Hassan Khan and DIG patrolling posts Saqlain Naqvi were also present.

Mr Elahi said the highway patrolling posts would be a milestone towards a safer Punjab.

He said facilities at the patrolling posts were being substantially increased to improve their efficiency.