Peshawar (Naimat Ullah)police are facing a growing challenge as professional robbers increasingly use WhatsApp instead of regular mobile numbers to coordinate crimes, making it difficult for authorities to trace them.
According to local police officials, most of these offenders are young men addicted to ice drug, who commit snatching and other robberies to fund their habits. After stealing mobile phones, many of these items are smuggled into Afghanistan or have their IMEI numbers altered locally to avoid tracking.
Police report that the use of WhatsApp allows criminals to communicate without leaving a traceable phone number. This method complicates investigations and requires officers to rely on additional measures such as CCTV footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to identify suspects.
“During recent confrontations, many apprehended or injured robbers admitted to using WhatsApp exclusively for coordination,” said a senior Peshawar police officer. “This trend has created a new layer of difficulty for our operations.”
In response, Peshawar police have intensified field operations. Dozens of encounters this year have resulted in multiple suspects being killed or injured, while others have been arrested and prosecuted. Officers stress that repeat offenders, even when released on bail, are closely monitored, and stricter action is taken to prevent them from returning to crime.
The problem is compounded by the high cost of drugs, as many robbers spend their earnings from thefts on narcotics, dance parties, and other social activities. Police officials urge local communities to report suspicious activities, particularly regarding mobile phones with altered IMEI numbers, which have become a common tactic to evade law enforcement.
Authorities also note that border closures, such as the Torgham crossing, have reduced smuggling, but criminals have adapted by changing IMEI numbers locally. Social observers argue that stricter monitoring of this activity is essential to curb robberies and prevent criminal networks from expanding.
As Peshawar continues to grapple with professional robbery gangs, police stress that coordinated efforts, community vigilance, and technological tracking are critical to maintaining safety in the city.
