Street crime spikes in Karachi as theft and snatching cases rise

Street crime in Karachi saw a sharp increase in March 2026, with thousands of theft and snatching incidents reported, according to a new report by the Citizens Police Liaison Committee.

The data reveals that 3,027 motorcycles were stolen during the month, while an additional 440 were snatched at gunpoint. Mobile phone theft also remained a major concern, with 1,265 devices reported stolen. Car-related crimes were also significant, as 140 vehicles were stolen and 17 were snatched.

In terms of violent crime, the city recorded 44 murder cases, alongside six incidents of extortion and one kidnapping for ransom. Despite the rise in overall street crime, no bank robbery cases were reported during the period.

Sindh CM Orders Intensified Efforts to Stop Street Crime

The alarming figures highlight ongoing security challenges in the metropolitan city, where citizens continue to face risks in their daily routines. Law enforcement agencies have been under pressure to curb the rising trend and restore public confidence.

In response to the situation, Murad Ali Shah has approved Phase-II of the Karachi Safe City Project, aimed at strengthening surveillance and improving law enforcement capabilities.

The new phase will involve the installation of over 2,300 smart surveillance cameras across the city. These include systems equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and facial recognition technology, along with mobile monitoring units and traffic enforcement cameras.

Officials say the initiative is designed to enhance real-time monitoring, assist in crime detection, and deter criminal activity. Authorities have emphasised that modern technology will play a key role in improving urban security.

However, analysts argue that while surveillance systems are a step forward, broader policing reforms and effective implementation will be crucial to addressing Karachi’s persistent crime challenges.