Karachi: Street crime and vehicle theft have surged in Karachi, with alarming statistics revealed for the first five months of this year, as reported by the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC). According to CPLC data, 737 vehicles and 16,031 motorcycles were either snatched or stolen, while 7,427 mobile phones were taken in reported incidents.

The report indicates a disturbing trend in violent crime with 232 murder and targeted violence cases recorded. Additionally, there were 71 cases of extortion and three kidnappings for ransom. May alone saw 20 vehicles snatched, 106 stolen, 445 motorcycles snatched, and 2,240 stolen. Mobile phone snatching continued with 1,860 incidents, alongside 56 killings, 10 extortion cases, and a bank robbery.

Out of the 737 vehicles lost, 99 were snatched and 638 stolen. Among the motorcycles, 2,223 were snatched, and 13,808 stolen. Officials express concern over these incidents, highlighting challenges for law enforcement in tackling street crime and maintaining public safety. Despite police claims of improving law and order, the figures underscore persistent challenges in curbing crime in the city.