RAWALPINDI, April 12: Rawalpindi police is contemplating to separate its "watch & ward" and "investigation" wings, after its engagement in VVIP security duties and an increase in robbery and car-lifting incidents.

The watch & ward and investigation wings have already been separated in the New Police Order, which is yet to be implemented in Rawalpindi. The issues related to crime and policing were discussed at a recently-held meeting of senior police officials of Rawalpindi range.

The deputy inspector general of police, Iftikhar Ahmed, presided over the meeting during which he shared his past experiences with the police officers. The meeting continued for more than eight hours here at Police Lines. The meeting also reviewed the crime situation and strategies to combat street crime, an official source said.

The DIG expressed his concern over the rise in vehicle lifting incidents in Rawalpindi and recovery drive, which he said had dropped from 45 to 24 per cent in the last three months. The police figures show as many as 81 robbery and 170 car-lifting incidents had been reported during January 1 to March 31 this year.

On the other hand, 56 robbery and 128 car-lifting cases had come to light in the same period in 2003. However, according to sources, the SP city Mr Farooqi, narrated the "police success stories" to satisfy the DIG.