Cops intensify check on bikers to curb chain snatching

With instances of chain-snatching using motorcycles rising with each passing day, the police have started apprehending bikers in order to put a stop to such cases.

“We question them and if need arises, they are even frisked “said a police officer.

According to records, at least 2,044 cases of chain snatching were registered across all police stations in the city. Out of these, only 39% of cases were detected. What has been observed is that the accused often use motorbikes to execute the crime.

Investigators reveal that the modus operandi adopted is that while the driver of the bike will pass the vehicle, closing in on the unsuspecting target, the pillon rider will reach out and snatch chains in a jiffy.  The accused then zoom away, even before the victim can react. “We are concentrating in areas where instances of chain snatching are rampant,” said deputy commissioner of police, Rajkumar Vahatkar.

Officials said that chain snatching which is considered to be a lesser crime, is suddenly being taken with immense seriousness . Reason being, the sudden drastic rise of such cases in recent days, with lots of small-time criminals indulging in it.

The matter has gained so much prominence that top cops are toying with the idea of applying sections of robbery if the chain snatchers use arms. Security has been beefed up in areas where the chain snatchers prey for their targets and history sheeters with past records of chain snatching are being hauled up.