LAHORE: Lahore police claimed on Saturday to have witnessed 47 per cent reduction in crime rate for the fifth consecutive month in November 2024 compared to the same month last year.

According to data collected through the Police Emergency Helpline 15, this decline reflects sustained efforts by law enforcement agencies “under an enhanced strategy to combat criminal activity.”

A detailed analysis of the data reveals a marked decrease in various categories of crime compared to November 2023.

Robbery incidents dropped by 60pc, while street crimes such as mugging fell by 62pc. Snatching cases also saw a 45pc decline, with motorcycle theft decreasing by 39pc and motorcycle snatching incidents going down by 37pct. Theft of other vehicles witnessed a reduction of 25pc, showcasing effectiveness of targeted policing.

Highlighting the department’s success, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran disclosed that in the last month, 443 suspects from 200 criminal gangs were apprehended. Police recovered stolen items worth Rs 91.5 million, which included 467 motorcycles, seven cars, eight rickshaws, 293 mobile phones, gold, and other valuables.

Police also confiscated weapons, including five Kalashnikov rifles, 17 rifles, 17 shotguns, 472 pistols, and thousands of rounds. Efforts to capture fugitives yielded further results, with 1,806 proclaimed offenders and 909 court absconders taken into custody.

In an anti-narcotics campaign, police detained 821 suspects and seized 785 kilograms of hashish, two kg of heroin, 7kg of methamphetamine (ice), and 5,051 liters of alcohol. Social welfare efforts included the arrest of 376 individuals involved in illegal gambling, with Rs 1.2 million in gambling stakes confiscated. Additionally, multiple operations targeted beggary and kite flying, ensuring compliance with the law.

The Police Protection Center also addressed cases of domestic violence and harassment, resulting in 157 FIRs and the arrest of 41 suspects involved in sexual assault cases. The department further reunited nine missing children with their families, highlighting its commitment to public welfare.

Discussing the approach behind the crime reduction, DIG Kamran attributed the success to Chief Minister’s vision “Safer Punjab: From Safe to Safest.” The strategy included identifying 34 high-crime hotspots and prioritising resource allocation in these areas.

Enhanced patrols, close monitoring of repeat offenders, transparent recruitment, and deployment of officers based on merit were key elements of the strategy. Advanced technology for surveillance and operational efficiency also played a pivotal role.

Further, reforms included stricter internal accountability within the police department to curb misuse of authority and incentivise performance. To build trust and address citizen grievances, open courts are now being held daily by senior officers, allowing direct communication between the public and the police.

The DIG reaffirmed Lahore Police’s commitment to maintaining this downward trend in crime through sustained action and community engagement.

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2024