SAHIWAL, Jan 1: At least 6,027 cases of varied crimes were registered in the Sahiwal district during the year 2003. The number of crimes occurred during the year reflect an upward trend.

There was increase in the cases of murder, murderous attempt, kidnapping, gang-rape, traffic accident, dacoity, theft, and motorcycle and cattle lifting. However, the incidents of burglary were on the decline.

Some 31 murder cases were registered in which 191 people were murdered during the year. At least 147 cases of murderous attack, 46 gang-rape, 259 dacoity, 31 robbery, 277 burglary, 133 motorcycle snatching, 203 cattle-lifting and 1,418 crime against property were registered during the period.

In the year 2002, the police had arrested 450 proclaimed offenders while during the year in review the police could have arrested 397 POs.