AN epidemic of street crime has afflicted Karachi, but other than issuing statements, the authorities seem helpless as armed thugs loot and pillage across the city at will. Moreover, it appears that criminals are getting ever more brazen, almost taunting the law enforcers to try and stop them.

Read more: Sindh CM attributes rise in Karachi street crimes to 'financial situation' of country

A particularly appalling episode occurred on Saturday night, when armed crooks set up a picket on the Korangi Causeway and looted citizens. While police say around a dozen commuters were held up, social media reports claim nearly 100 people were looted. Though the artery links a major industrial area with the rest of the city, parts of it are pitch dark at night due to non-functional street lights, thus creating ‘ideal’ conditions for muggers to waylay commuters.

This is just one of countless spots in the city where armed criminals are active. Another tragedy illustrating the seriousness of the street crime wave was the brutal murder of Athar Mateen in North Nazimabad last week, as the media man was gunned down reportedly while trying to prevent a mugging bid.

In a city where a large number of policemen and Rangers personnel are available, it is difficult to understand how armed criminals manage to rule the streets. One of the reasons cited for the recent change of Karachi’s police chief was rising street crime. Indeed, the figures don’t paint a rosy picture.

According to one report, at least 16 people have been killed in street crime incidents in the current year while the CPLC says over 13,000 have been robbed of cars, motorcycles and mobile phones this year. Over 50,000 instances of street crime occurred last year.

Read more: City saw disturbing surge in crimes last year

It is obvious that urgent measures are needed to crack down on gangs of street criminals. Successful models of eliminating violent mugging and armed robbery used by more advanced police forces elsewhere should be replicated in Karachi to put an end to this epidemic of crime, and help protect the lives and property of helpless citizens.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2022