Start TRAFFICOP software to stop chain-snatchers, say cops

Chain-snatchers are on a roll in the city, and not keeping the TRAFFICOP software scheme going after the pilot project phase has proved costly for the police as it now takes them a few days to manually dig out information on suspected stolen vehicles, typically used by snatchers to go about their business

Start TRAFFICOP software to stop chain-snatchers, say cops

Chain-snatchers

Cumbersome: Traffic cops said they were struggling to nab the chain-
snatchers as the manual method of getting information on suspected
stolen vehicles was time-consuming. Representation pic

The TRAFFICOP software would give the police details such as ownership of vehicles in an instant, but the traffic department's proposal to the state government for funds to run the project is yet to receive a nod.
Now an application to the Science and Technology Park seeking help in the reactivation of the TRAFFICOP service has been sent by the traffic branch.

"The TRAFFICOP system was useful to the police and gave easy access to RTO vehicle data. Since the system is defunct, obtaining vehicle data is becoming difficult and we have to keep records manually," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Manoj Patil. "Traffic constables have to now rely on the booklets containing vehicle series data."

A senior officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that many new vehicles were passed by the RTO every day and this made the booklets outdated very fast.

"The problem with using booklets is that new vehicles that are being passed by the RTO are not listed in the booklet as it has been printed quite a long time ago. Also if a criminal changes the number plate of his vehicle by keeping only the serial number correct, then he manages to give the police the slip," said the
officer.

Causing delay
Police Inspector Ram Jadhav, who has been made in-charge of the special anti-chain snatching squad, said curbing chain-snatching without TRAFFICOP was resulting in delays. "We are struggling to nab the chain-snatchers as the manual method is time-consuming. Restarting the TRAFFICOP scheme will be fruitful in the quickly cracking the cases," said Jadhav.

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