ISLAMABAD: Criminals looted cash and valuables worth over Rs1.3 billion in at least 2,600 incidents of dacoity, robbery, snatching, burglary, theft and auto-theft in the first five months of 2026.

Sources in the police told Dawn that the criminal activities included six dacoities, 528 robberies, 296 snatchings, 317 burglaries, 641 thefts and 892 auto-thefts.

The capital police registered six incidents of dacoities. In one such incident, a man was murdered and four others were injured. In these dacoities, culprits looted cash and valuables worth over Rs26.4 million, besides a motorcycle and eight mobile phones.

Similarly, the police registered 528 cases of robberies. Out of the total, a robbery case was registered against some police officials, while three such incidents were committed after kidnapping the victims. Besides, one of the robberies was committed in the disguise of police personnel. Three robbery victims were murdered, 19 sustained gunshot injuries.

Over 10,000 suspects arrested, stolen property worth over Rs633 million recovered, say police

The police said there were 11 house robberies, 28 shop robberies and 484 committed on roads. In these robberies, the gunmen looted cash and valuables worth over Rs316 million. Besides, 41 tola gold, four vehicles, 104 motorcycles and 561 mobiles were also looted at gunpoint.

The police also registered 296 snatching incidents in which the criminals injured three persons. One snatching incident was committed in a house, three in shops and the rest on streets. The culprits snatched cash and valuables over worth Rs117.8 million. Besides, five tola gold, three motorcycles and 250 mobile phones were also looted.

The police also registered 317 cases of burglaries. In these burglary incidents, the suspects stole cash and valuables over worth Rs306.8 million besides taking away 314 tola gold, two motorcycles and 128 mobiles. Out of the total, 265 were house burglaries and the remaining committed at commercial areas.

The police also registered 641 cases of thefts. Out of these, 224 were committed at houses, 62 at commercial centres, and 355 on streets. The thieves stole cash and valuables worth Rs505.5 million, besides taking aeay 267.4 tola gold, a vehicle, eight motorcycles and 275 mobiles. The police also registered 892 incidents of auto-thefts.

Meanwhile, the police issued total 27,675 e-tags, however, they registered only 8,571 cases with 30.9 per cent case registration rate.

The registration of cases in the capital was 29pc from January 1 to May 16 as police issued 25,053 e-tags but registered only 7,324 cases. From May 17 to 31, the police issued 2,622 e-tags and registered 1,247 cases, including 496 over traffic violations with the ratio of 47.5 per cent case registration.

Police officers said the practice of criminalising the traffic rule violations under the order of senior officers was a bid to increase the ratio of FIRs registration.

The public relations office of the police in a statement claimed that during the first five months, the police arrested 10,286 individuals involved in various crimes and recovered stolen property worth over Rs633 million.

A total of 588 members belonging to 255 gangs involved in robbery, armed robbery, vehicle theft, and motorcycle theft were arrested. Police also recovered 401 vehicles and motorcycles worth millions of rupees from their possession.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2026