KARACHI: Street crime continues to plague Karachi, with alarming figures emerging for March 2026, as thousands of citizens fell victim to theft and snatching incidents.
According to data released by the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), a total of 3,624 cases of vehicle theft and snatching were recorded during the month. This includes 3,467 motorcycles and 157 cars.
A deeper breakdown shows that 3,027 motorcycles were stolen, while 440 were taken at gunpoint. In the case of cars, 140 were stolen and 17 were snatched in armed incidents.
Mobile phone theft also remained widespread, with 1,265 devices reported stolen across the city.
The report further highlighted other serious crimes, including 44 murdered cases, six incidents of extortion, and one kidnapping for ransom during March.
In a separate development, Karachi Police dismantled a disturbing criminal network involved in abducting children and forcing them into mobile phone theft.
The case surfaced after an 11-year-old boy, Ayan, went missing from Korangi’s 100 Quarters area. His disappearance was registered at Saudabad Police Station, prompting a targeted operation on the directives of SSP Fida Hussain Jaffari.
Police successfully recovered the child and arrested two suspects, identified as Sahil and Fatima. During questioning, the victim revealed he had been kidnapped, subjected to abuse, and forced to take drugs before being coerced into committing crimes, including stealing mobile phones.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over public safety and the growing sophistication of criminal networks operating in the city.
