LAHORE: Capital City Police Officer Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana has directed law enforcement to launch an extensive crackdown on theft rings, specifically targeting those involved in altering IMEI numbers of stolen mobile phones. The directive emerged from a meeting focused on enhancing preventive measures against theft in the city.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the meeting concentrated on dismantling organized gangs and improving surveillance in identified crime hotspots. Discussions included geofencing theft-prone areas and employing modern technology alongside human intelligence to prevent and detect theft. Additional personnel are to be deployed in these areas, with increased patrolling and undercover operations planned.

Kamyana instructed officers to apprehend individuals involved in pickpocketing and mobile theft, emphasizing increased surveillance in crowded places such as markets, public gatherings, and public transport. The meeting concluded with a decision to trace networks involved in IMEI alteration through mobile phone backtracking, with strict measures against illegal transactions of stolen devices and parts.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including DIG (Administration) Imran Kishwar, DIG (Investigation) Zeeshan Raza, DIG (Operations) Faisal Kamran, SSP (Investigation) Muhammad Naveed, SSP (Operations) Abdullah Ahmad, and all divisional SPs.