CLEARLY, Karachi`s foremost law and order problem remains rampant street crime, with armed criminals striking during traffic jams, accosting citizens at ATMs as well as in crowded public places. The authorities regularly vow to crack down on the menace, but little evidence of reduction in crime is seen on the ground. In this regard, the Sindh government recently set up a committee to suggest ways to ensure speedy trials and convictions of suspects accused of involvement in street crime. It has also been suggested that dedicated courts for the trial of street crime suspects be set up. Indeed, legal reforms to ensure quick conviction of suspects are important so that criminals end up in jail instead of back on the streets. However, equally important are efforts to improve the police`s capabilities to nab suspects and prevent crimes from being committed. Much has been said and written about the effects of the ongoing operation against violent crime in the metropolis. By all means the effort, launched in 2013, has yielded results in bringing down levels of heinous crimes such as targeted killings, extortion and terrorism. Unfortunately, the level of street crime, including mobile snatching and theft of vehicles, has either remained the same or increased slightly. It is also true that theft and snatching incidents may be underreported. This suggests that while the militarised style of policing including the involvement of the Rangers may have delivered results in apprehending hard-core militants and killers, the operation has failed to clamp down on thugs and muggers who profit from street crime.

There have been various suggestions given by different stakeholders on how to bring down street crime figures. Some have said dedicated street crime units must operate out of each police station. Indeed, if officers from the local thana patrol their respective areas, this may well bring down crime stats. Moreover, the CPLC has identified various `hot spots` for mobile snatching across Karachi; officers in plain clothes could be deputed in such areas to catch criminals in the act. And as a Senate committee has rightly noted, it is vital that criminal elements within the police be identified to prevent abuse of power and criminal activities patronised by those in uniform. If the Sindh government wishes to come up with a workable plan to tackle street crime and enforces it in earnest, there is every possibility that the metropolis can become a much safer place.