GRP drive to advice commuters to hang bags in front while travelling

The Government Railway Police (GRP) is conducting a special drive on Western and Central Railway lines for the first time advising commuters to travel in local trains with their bags hanging on the front side. This is considering thieves, during peak hours, take the opportunity to steal valuables from the bags of commuters.

The GRP on Thursday conducted a special drive at Wadala and Mahim railway stations with loudspeakers to spread awareness about thieves who steal cellphones and valuables from bags which are worn on the shoulders, facing the back.

"During the peak hours, thieves take the opportunity when bags are hanged on the backside as they either use blades or open the chain of the bag to pick up cellphones or purses from the bags," said a senior GRP officer.

"We have set a target to meet commuter groups twice a week and also spread awareness on railway platforms by distributing pamphlets and sticking bills to alert commuters," said the officer.

Moreover, the GRP officers also informed that if bags are hanged on the shoulder towards the front side of the body, it gives less opportunities to thieves for stealing.

Callistus D'mello, spokesperson for GRP, said, "We have conducted this drive at all the railway police stations so that the belongings of commuters are safe. Moreover it will discourage thieves to steal from the bags of commuters after taking the opportunity of overcrowding in the local trains."