Data shows that with the rise of organised gangs, snatching cases have risen eightfold since 2011
Believe it or not but the Capital witnesses at least one case of snatching an hour on average. And that's not all. Data shows that from 2011 to 2015, incidents of snatching doubled more than eightfold showing that perpetrators were becoming more bold about targeting victims and stealing from them. As for 2017, police data shows that 5,682 cases of snatching have been registered till August, suggesting that the total number of cases may go beyond other years by this year-end.
Police say that the victims of snatching are usually women and especially elderly women. This fact was borne out on Monday when a 50-year-old woman almost died when she fell off a moving auto while resisting a snatching bid from two bike borne men who were trying to take her purse. Senior police officials stated that doctors told them that the woman might lose her memory permanently.
As far as dealing with snatching was concerned, a senior police officer told DNA that a stricter law is required to curb the menace, as mostly juveniles who are often active gang-members, commit this crime.
"Protected by law, these juveniles commit snatching and are released. Also, snatching has not been listed as a heinous crime. This provides for easy bail. Even if the police ensures a crackdown on snatching gangs, the law is not harsh enough to create deterrence," the police officer said. He added that even if they are arrested, the lack of reformatory programs in jail, resulted in the accused making contacts with known criminals.
Coming to the modus operandi of these gangs, the officer said they were mostly led by criminals who induct juveniles and other youth with criminal backgrounds to commit such offences.
"In many cases it has also been seen that members of auto lifting gangs lend stolen two wheelers to these youth which they use in fleeing from the spot after snatching. Since the vehicles are stolen, even if it is recovered following surveillance, the accused remain untraced," the officer said.
Since CCTV footage have helped crack a lot of such cases, these men cover their faces or work at dark stretches to keep their identity hidden, police said.
CHALLENGES BEFORE LAW
- Juveniles are active gang members who don’t get harsh punishments
- Snatching is not a heinous crime
- Offender gets easy bail
- Lack of reform programs in jail
CASES IN CITY
2017: 5,682
2016: 9571
2015: 9896
2014: 7350
2013: 3638
2012: 1440
2011: 1476
MODUS OPERANDI
- Usually in a team of two to be able to flee on a two-wheeler
- They modify their bikes by removing its fuel supply regulator to flee at high speed
- Use stolen bikes to remain untraced
- While one waits at the bike with ignition on, the pillion rider commits snatching
- Melt ornaments and sell off valuables instantly to avoid any recovery from them
- Cover face or perform at dark stretches to keep identity hidden
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