Tragedy struck once again in Karachi as the death toll from street crimes in the city reached a grim milestone of 100 for this year. The recent victim, an 18-year-old named Ali Abbas, succumbed to his injuries after being shot by muggers during a robbery just two days ago.
This disturbing statistic reveals the dire state of security in the metropolis during the first nine months of the current year. The breakdown of these unfortunate incidents shows that 13 people lost their lives in January, 12 in February, 10 in March, 12 in April, 15 in May, nine in June, 12 in July, eight in August, and nine so far this month.
Police sources have expressed their concern, noting that a few years ago, the average number of deaths caused by robbers stood at around 30. Shockingly, in 2022, this number surged to approximately 120, signaling a significant escalation in street crimes within Karachi.
Aside from the rise in the violence associated with street crimes, another troubling trend is the increase in the number of criminal gangs involved in these robberies. While there were an estimated 25-30 criminal groups engaged in street crimes in the past, this number has now surged to 50-60 groups, making the situation even more challenging for law enforcement.
Among various types of street crimes, mobile snatching and motorcycle theft have seen a notable uptick, with no signs of abating. Although police authorities have claimed success in curbing activities like kidnapping for ransom, targeted killings, extortion, and terrorism, street crimes continue to plague the city.
Data compiled by the Citizens-Police Liaison Cell (CPLC) paints a grim picture, with over 60,000 street crime incidents reported in Karachi during the last nine months.
Efforts to address this crisis have included the establishment of the Shaheen Force, the installation of CCTV cameras with community support, and pro-active policing initiatives. However, the much-anticipated Safe City Project is yet to materialize, raising questions about its potential impact on crime prevention.
Police officials have also identified narcotics as a significant factor contributing to the rise in street crimes. Reportedly, around 30% of street criminals are addicts, further complicating the situation and underscoring the need for comprehensive measures to address this alarming trend.
