Rising Street Crime in Islamabad: Protect Yourself and Your Valuables

Street crime in Islamabad has surged in recent months, leaving citizens vulnerable and law enforcement agencies struggling to keep up. Mobile snatching and tire thefts from parked vehicles are becoming alarmingly common occurrences.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad Inspector General of Police took action to address the escalating crime rate by activating the Dolphin Force in the federal capital.

Once considered the safest city in Pakistan, Islamabad has now become a hotspot for criminals, leaving residents feeling scared and hopeless. The increasing unemployment rate, fueled by rising inflation, has only worsened the situation. Adding to the problem are the numerous hidden routes and areas where criminals can easily escape detection.

These criminals operate in organized gangs, making them difficult to trace. While providing evidence to the police might help, there’s no guarantee of recovering lost items.

To protect yourself and your belongings, here are some proactive measures you can take:

Avoid using your mobile phone while standing alone on the road.
Park your vehicle in well-lit and populated areas.
Refrain from giving lifts to strangers.
If you suspect someone is following you, change your route and park near a public place.
Install street lights outside your residence.
Set up CCTV cameras at your residence and office.
Keep valuable items like laptops in the trunk, not on the backseat.
Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, or avoid such places altogether.
Prefer main roads over narrow streets when traveling at night.
Report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately, Call 15.