KARACHI The number of crimes in Karachi declined during the period from January 1 to November 15, 2009 as compared to the same period last year.

According to a report presented to Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfikar Mirza, during the period under review there had been 132 cases of dacoities, 1,046 robberies, 44 murders and 1,030 incidents of snatching and car lifting.

As per details of the report, 8,541 dacoits were arrested in 2,151 police encounters up to November 15 this year in the three regions of Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur while 166 were killed.

Besides, 3,534 proclaimed and 38,058 absconding accused were arrested and 144 kidnapped persons were recovered safely in the three regions.

Overall 19 rocket launchers, 657 AK-47s, 1,260 shotguns, 7,845 pistols/revolvers, 332 rifles, 69 hand grenades besides over 48,000 rounds were recovered from dacoits and criminals arrested during the period under review.

The report said that in Karachi 6,230 dacoits were arrested and 79 killed in 809 police encounters, 329 proclaimed and 2,940 absconding accused were arrested while 19 kidnapped people were recovered besides recovering 19 rocket launchers, 90 AK-47s, eight shotguns, 4,644 pistols/revolvers, 94 rifles, 68 hand grenades and over 15,000 rounds.

In Hyderabad region 345 dacoits were arrested and 25 killed in 207 police encounters, 195 proclaimed and 9,533 absconding accused arrested and 14 kidnaped persons were recovered. During the period 110 AK-47s, 335 shotguns, 1,575 pistols/revolvers and over 11,300 rounds were recovered.

In Sukkur region 1,966 dacoits were arrested and 62 killed in 1,135 police encounters, 3,010 proclaimed and 25,585 absconding accused arrested and 111 kidnaped persons were recovered. Besides, 457 AK-47s, 917 shotguns, 1,626 pistols/revolvers, 161 rifles and over 21,600 rounds were recovered.

According to the report 40 police officers and personnel lost their lives and 160 were injured during the operations/actions against criminals in the three regions.

Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfikar Ali Mirza has directed the police that in order to effectively deal with terrorists, saboteurs, anti-state elements and other criminals, contacts between all the concerned departments and intelligence organizations should be strengthened.—APP