street crime

Street crimes have unfortunately become a regular feature of all big cities of Pakistan especially Karachi. Armed robbery, assault and mugging have become a common feature of metropolitan life in Pakistan. These criminals come well armed and well prepared to commit the crimes by overpowering their victims with fear and weapons. As a result the victims, which are generally white color citizens, are deprived of their hard earned money and valuables.
There are many questions associated with rise in street crimes in Pakistan. Why are crime rates so high in congested and relatively poor areas of the city? Why are the young, poor and able-bodied individuals involved in such crimes? Why only small and medium size businesses and houses become the target of these crimes? Why haven’t law enforcement agencies made any progress in reducing these crimes?
Social researchers conclude that high rates of crime among the young and poor are due to culture of poverty prevailing in their neighborhood. As per these researchers, young residents of relatively poor areas within metropolitan often lack the basic necessities of life and develop values that imply violence as effective means of attaining these items. This trend spreads fast within these communities and poor youth, that generally lacks job opportunities, becomes involved in these crimes to make both ends meet.
Moving on to the targets of these crimes, mostly small and medium size businesses are targeted due to lack of adequate security measures adopted by these business and individuals. These criminals are less likely to face any close circuit camera system, armed guards or alarm system in small and medium size locations. These victims are also less likely to report a crime to police in order to avoid lengthy and undue involvement by police in their affairs. Similarly individual moving on foot in small streets are often target of mugging and mobile phone snatching due to less chances of resistance by these individuals.
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