LAHORE - Sudden surged in auto-lifting incidents has shocked Lahorites as the Anti-Vehicle Lifting Staff (AVLS) of the Lahore police has failed to track down the gangs involved in such crimes in the provincial capital.
The auto-lifters are striking with impunity in Lahore as the police have witnessed a steep surge in the incidents of car-theft. Frequently, vehicles are being stolen from outside wedding halls, restaurants, shopping malls, and even on the hospital premises.
The story of Mustansir Akram, a resident of Khyaban-e-Quaid is a case in point. The victim told the police that he had parked his car (LEA-06-4954) in front of Subhan Marriage Hall in Mustafa Town to attend a wedding function the other day. When he returned after a while, he failed to find his car. The Mustafa Town police have registered the case (FIR No10362) against unidentified criminals and are investigating with no arrest made so far. The case has been forwarded to the AVLS for further investigation.
The provincial police reported more than 27,000 cases of vehicle-theft in 2013. The police also declared 12,000 cases as untraceable. Fifteen vehicles and 42 motorcycles are being lifted everyday from across the Punjab province. The complainant has appealed to the Chief Minister and Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) to direct the concerned police officers for the recovery of his car.