Traffic policemen turn crime detectors

Besides catching chain-snatchers, those deployed on roads detect serious crimes like theft and robbery

Traffic policemen turn crime detectors

Besides catching chain-snatchers, those deployed on roads detect serious crimes like theft and robbery

Besides regulating traffic, the traffic police in the city have been successful in arresting more than 50 habitual criminals involved in crimes like chain-snatching, robbery and theft in recent days.

Concerned about the rising incidents of chain-snatching, Commissioner of Police Meeran Borwankar had asked the traffic police to take on the responsibility of catching chain-snatchers. She had told traffic policemen to keep a watch on suspicious bikers and carry out surprise checks at various junctions.

"The three suspects were running a gang and their interrogation will reveal more information about crimes which they have done earlier," Kadolkar said.

Information gathered from various police stations reveals traffic constables and officers deployed on roads have detected serious crimes like thefts, robberies and cheating, among others.

25 suspects held
So far this year, 18 cases of theft and robbery were detected in which 25 suspects were handed over to the local police station by traffic officers. Cheating cases, cases of fake number plates and chain-snatchings were also detected and preventive actions were taken by the traffic police.

Police Constables Sachin Ugale and A S Sarde from the traffic branch have cracked 40 such cases.

Ugale said, "I keep updating the knowledge of RTO vehicle number series which helps me identify the suspicious vehicles and bikers. Instead of focusing only on signal jumping, I watch the number plates of vehicles crossing the junction and, if found suspicious, I follow them and carry out checking."

Great job
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Manoj Patil said, "We have alerted all our officers and constables to remain on vigil while regulating traffic. Following the instructions from Borwankar madam, we will be checking suspicious bikers to curb incidents of chain-snatching. Our constables like Ugale are doing a great job by catching hold of habitual criminals."

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