TAXILA, Feb 1: Ground realities belie police claims that crime rate decreased in Taxila and Wah Cantonment during the year 2006.

According to the police statistics, 457 cases were registered with the police in 2006 compared to 433 in 2005. However, during the whole year the masses frequently saw incidents of robbery, dacoity and burglary in Taxila city.

As many as 12 murder, 19 attempted murder, 22 burglary and theft cases, five vehicle and motorcycle thefts, 20 accidents, 10 gambling cases, one case of abduction for ransom, eight cases of adultery, 83 cases of arms and ammunition recovery and 71 cases of narcotics recovery were registered with the Taxila police compared to 11 murder, 20 attempted murder, 19 burglary and theft cases, four vehicle thefts, four motorcycle thefts, 20 accidents, 17 gambling cases, one case of abduction, six cases of adultery, 72 cases of arms and ammunition recovery and 93 cases of narcotics recovery during 2005.

The police arrested 555 people for involvement in various cases in 2006.

The figures showed that huge quantity of narcotics including 11 kg charas, one kg opium, one kg heroin and 159 bottles of liquor were also seized. Similarly, 11 revolvers, three Kalashnikovs, two guns, 40 pistols, three carbines, three draggers, 416 bullets and two grenades were recovered. While 22 other cases were registered against criminals.

However, on the other hand, social and public circles have expressed dissatisfied over the police performance. They said despite increasing incidents of robbery and theft, the police registered first information reports (FIRs) for only 30 percent of the reported cases.

“Policemen avoid registering FIRs because their increasing numbers make them answerable to their seniors. A lesser number of robberies means better performance and most of the station house officers try to prove their efficiency by registering a fewer number of robbery cases,” they maintained.

The reason behind the rising crimes is stated to be the “ineffective” police patrolling due to paucity of resources as well as investigation staff.

Due to shortage of staff, the police are unable to meet the expectations of the masses, said a police official.