LAHORE, May 29: The Punjab police have arrested 27,348 proclaimed offenders and 16,780 court absconders during the first four months of this calendar year.

This was told in a meeting presided over by Punjab IG Ahmed Nasim to review progress of the ongoing crackdown at the central police office here on Tuesday.

The meeting was told that crime graph had decreased by 40 per cent in the province due to the successful operation against criminals.

The IG expressed his satisfaction over the performance and directed the field police officers to further intensify efforts against proclaimed offenders.

Gangs Busted: Police claimed on Tuesday to have arrested five members of two gangs and recovered looted valuables, besides illegal weapons, from them.

The accused confessed to their involvement in 48 incidents of dacoity and robbery during preliminary interrogation.

A team, led by Shahdra SPO, nabbed Afzal, Shafqat and Muzammil of Tun Tun dacoit gang and recovered 11 cell phones and weapons from their possession.

Another team, headed by Naulakha SPO, arrested Mohammad Umar and Umar alias Lumba of Umeri dacoit gang and recovered two motorcycles, six cell phones and weapons from them.

SSP (operations) Aftab Cheema announced cash and certificates for the police raiding teams.