29 August,2022 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Sachin Gaad
Chain-snatchers usually move around on motorbikes
Statistics suggest that chain-snatching incidents are occurring more frequently than they did prior to the pandemic. From January to the end of July, the city witnessed 131 chain-snatching incidents, a figure that is almost 60 per cent higher than that of the corresponding period last year, 82. In 2019, 91 chain-snatching incidents were reported in the first seven months.
However, the following year, when the pandemic reared its ugly head and lockdown restrictions were imposed - ensuring minimal movement of people and vehicles on the roads, the city saw 61 cases by the end of July.
The police have attributed this rise to the lifting of lockdown norms as well as the release of notorious chain-snatchers during the pandemic due to the decongestion of prisons. Experts believe that lack of the stringent measures that the police had taken in the past has also contributed to the spate of chain-snatching incidents.
Also read: Mumbai: Police check footage from 214 CCTV cameras to nab two chain snatchers
In the past, the Mumbai and Thane police would charge infamous offenders under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and they would be imprisoned for a couple of years. "However, as they are being released after two or three years and repeating their activities, cases are rising," said an official, who requested anonymity.
The practice of slapping chain-snatchers with MCOCA has reduced recently which has boosted their morale, he added. Drug consumption has also been a driving force, according to the police. While some indulge in chain snatching to feed their drug habit and lavish lifestyle, some police officials claim that often, chain-snatchers are inebriated when they carry out their crimes.
The police have advised civilians not to venture out without taking the necessary precautions. Most chain-snatching incidents tend to occur early in the morning when the roads are empty, enabling snatchers to speed away on their bikes. Early walkers have been advised to ditch heavy jewellery or at least conceal it.
Of the 131 cases registered by the end of July, the police managed to crack 97, registering a detection rate of 74 per cent - the highest in past five years. The detection rate was the lowest in 2018, when only 39 of 74 cases registered in the first seven months of the year were solved.
After being busted time and again, chain-snatchers have learnt from their mistakes. While on a spree, both the rider and the pillion always ensure they wear helmets and masks, making it difficult for the police to identify them. Their vehicles are mostly stolen or they change their number plates before committing crimes. They also wear jackets to make it difficult for the police to identify them by their posture.
Previously, chain-snatchers used to work alone, but now they have started taking the help of petty criminals who are familiar with the lay of the land and nakabandi spots. It is difficult to identify a particular chain-snatcher unless he is caught red-handed; however even after identification there is no guarantee that the police will be able to nab him, an official admitted.
According to an official, most chain-snatchers reside in the Irani Basti, Shanti Nagar and Pirani Pada areas of Ambivli. However, it is difficult to nab them in their own backyard. The police face the constant threat of being attacked by the women, making it a task to conduct raids there without informing the local police. However, there is no guarantee that after alerting the local police the suspect will stick around by the time the police team arrives, added the official. Besides, many chain-snatchers reside in hilly areas of Titwala and hardly return home.
Chain-snatchers tend to stay in one area and operate in others. Hence, they avoid the scanner of the local police. A combing operation is one solution but it requires hundreds of police personnel to cordon off an area before a raid so that no one can escape. Chain-snatchers also operate very professionally, handing over their booty mostly to their wives who then sell it to jewellers.
97
The number of cases cracked in first seven months of 2022
