80% of Criminals Have Past Records: Multan Police

M Atif Ismail

Multan: A comprehensive analysis by Multan police has revealed a disturbing trend: nearly 80 percent of individuals arrested for crimes in the city have prior criminal records.

This finding sheds light on a recurring issue of re-offending, raising concerns about the effectiveness of crime deterrence and rehabilitation programs.

Persistent Issue of Re-offenders

The revelation comes after an in-depth review of CCTV footage and the records of known offenders. Police sources confirmed that “about 80 percent of criminals apprehended had prior records, while nearly 20 percent were first-time offenders.”

The police have been increasingly utilizing CCTV surveillance in crime-prone areas, which has not only facilitated quicker suspect identification but has also provided crucial evidence of repeated criminal activity.

As a result, law enforcement has been able to respond swiftly, often catching criminals shortly after crimes are committed.

October 2024 saw a significant 43 percent drop in Multan’s crime rate compared to October 2023, attributed largely to the enhanced surveillance measures. Police officials have emphasized the impact of CCTV installation in high-risk areas, encouraging local businesses and residents to invest in surveillance systems.

“The direct impact on both crime prevention and case resolution is undeniable,” said a senior officer, noting that circulating footage among investigative officers has often led to prompt identifications.

Tech-Driven Identification

Multan Police have also built a comprehensive databank of fingerprints and facial images of known criminals.

This repository has proven invaluable in quickly cross-referencing suspects and linking them to previous offenses.

Many suspects arrested for crimes such as theft, burglary, and assault have extensive criminal histories, underlining the severity of the repeat offender issue and the potential need for rehabilitative actions.

In addition to individual crimes, law enforcement has been addressing a worrying rise in organized criminal activity, particularly cattle theft.

Gangs specializing in livestock theft followed a common pattern: breaking into cattle pens at night, tying up caretakers, and driving away the animals.

“Our special squad studied these trends and successfully tracked down the offenders,” said City Police Officer Sadique Dogar. By setting up checkpoints along frequently used routes, the police managed to dismantle several theft rings.

Focus on Violent Crime

City Police Officer Sadique Dogar, who has led many of these initiatives, emphasized that violent crimes, especially those involving robbery and assault, remain top priorities for the department.

Multan police have solved multiple cases in which traders were murdered during robberies, which are considered especially heinous.

“Robbery with injury or murder cases demand focused, urgent attention,” Dogar asserted, underlining the department’s commitment to tackling violent crime with precision.

Multan Police have also made strides in modernizing their operations, equipping officers with technology that allows them to instantly access criminal records.

Previously, checkpoint officers struggled to verify the identities and backgrounds of individuals due to limited resources. Now, officers use tablet devices to check a person’s criminal history on the spot. “Our Dolphin Force officers are equipped with these devices and regularly check suspicious individuals,” Dogar explained.

Recovery of Stolen Property

The integration of technology has also enhanced the efficiency of recovering stolen property. On average, the department recovers about 10 stolen motorcycles and two to three stolen cars daily using advanced detection tools.

The recovery rate for stolen vehicles is one of the department’s greatest achievements, credited to data-driven surveillance and improved monitoring systems.

In addition, officers have successfully identified vehicles with fake registration numbers, an issue that had long plagued the city but is now being addressed more effectively.

Multan’s police force continues to leverage both technology and surveillance to combat crime, making significant strides in crime prevention and resolution.

With the continued focus on repeat offenders and organized crime, the department’s efforts aim to create a safer environment for the city’s residents, as well as a deterrent to those considering engaging in criminal activity.