Official data from Punjab presents a stark contrast to the provincial government's assertion that crime has declined by 65 percent following the establishment of the Crime Control Department (CCD). While the government touts success, figures reveal a persistent and sharp rise in motorcycle theft and gunpoint snatching across the province.
Motorcycle Theft on a Steady Rise Over a Decade
In the last ten years, more than 650,000 cases of motorcycle theft and snatching have been reported in Punjab. Of these, over 542,000 were thefts, while more than 93,000 involved motorcycles snatched at gunpoint. Experts believe the actual number of incidents is significantly higher, as many cases go unreported.
A year-by-year breakdown shows a consistent upward trajectory. In 2016, 14,710 motorcycles were stolen and 3,550 snatched. The following year, 2017, saw 15,475 thefts and 3,450 snatchings. In 2018, thefts rose to 18,831 and snatchings to 3,536. The trend continued in 2019, with 23,775 thefts and 5,000 snatchings recorded. In 2020, 20,519 thefts and 3,621 snatchings were reported.
The year 2021 marked a significant spike, with more than 38,000 thefts and 6,800 gunpoint snatchings. The situation escalated further in subsequent years. In 2022, 6,350 thefts and 10,630 snatchings were reported. In 2023, thefts surged dramatically to 111,200 — the highest on record at that time — along with over 18,000 snatchings. The rising pattern continued in 2024, when more than 133,000 motorcycles were stolen and over 20,000 were snatched. In 2025, over 75,000 thefts and 11,000 snatchings were recorded. By February 2026 alone, more than 22,000 thefts and 1,700 snatchings had already been reported.
Lahore Tops in Thefts; Southern Punjab Leads in Snatchings
The provincial capital, Lahore, ranks first in motorcycle theft cases. Meanwhile, the southern Punjab districts of Multan, Khanewal, and Bahawalnagar lead in motorcycle snatching incidents. Other significantly affected cities include Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Rawalpindi, and Sheikhupura.
Victims have expressed frustration over the lack of recoveries despite registering cases. Some complainants have alleged police corruption, claiming that suspects are released after paying bribes, while others are reportedly killed in staged police encounters, resulting in no recovery of stolen property.
Experts and Officials Weigh In
Former Inspector General of Police Muhammad Azam Joya stated that crime rates varied over different periods, but maintaining the writ of the police remained crucial. “Motorcycle theft continues to rise because it is an easy target for criminals. Limited Safe City camera coverage and weak locking systems on motorcycles contribute significantly to the problem. Motorcycles without proper locks should not be allowed to park in designated areas. Manufacturers should upgrade their locking systems to modern standards,” implored Joya.
Public policy advisor and social activist Professor Salman Abid acknowledged that while the creation of the Crime Control Department may have strengthened the perception of police authority and temporarily reduced certain crimes, motorcycle theft and snatching incidents continued to increase. “There is a need for more effective police patrolling and stronger preventive measures. Motorcycle manufacturers have failed to install modern security systems despite charging substantial prices,” noted Abid.
CCD Claims Success Despite Data
On the other hand, a spokesperson for the CCD Punjab asserted that the department was actively working to eliminate serious crimes. The department claims its operations have resulted in an 80 percent overall reduction in major crimes, including a 78 percent decrease in robberies, a 39 percent reduction in murder cases, and an 80 percent decline in home robberies. The spokesperson further claimed a 69 percent reduction in motorcycle theft and a 50 percent decrease in car snatching incidents, stating that CCD operations have dismantled criminal networks and restored public confidence.
