As many as six cases of snatching in a week have left the residents worried sick. With most of the victims being women, who were attacked during evening hours in dimly lit areas, residents have started avoiding stepping out after dark.
Police said it seemed it was the same gang behind all incidents, and hoped to bust it soon.
On Friday evening, two cases of snatching were reported from Phase 3B2 and Phase 5, and in both the incidents, the women were targeted by a motorcyclist.
The victims were taking a walk in their residential areas where streetlights were not functional. The accused snatched their gold chains before making good their escape. The victims could not make a note of the vehicle number due to shock and poor lighting in the areas.
Earlier in the week, two similar cases were reported from Phase 7 where two women were robbed off their handbag and mobile phone, respectively. These victims were also taking a walk near their houses.
SAS Nagar senior superintendent of police (SSP) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said, "We are duty bound to detect and curb crime in the city. These incidents seem to be the handiwork of a single man, who we will nab soon."
{{/usCountry}}SAS Nagar senior superintendent of police (SSP) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said, "We are duty bound to detect and curb crime in the city. These incidents seem to be the handiwork of a single man, who we will nab soon."
{{/usCountry}}He added that in wake of these incidents, the police control room (PCR) had increased patrolling and also started setting up checkpoints to ensure that such snatchers are taken to task.
Non-functional streetlights open invitation to crime
While snatching remains a concern, these incidents have once again brought to fore the issue of non-functional streetlights. The Phase-5 victim, Roopam, whose chain was snatched on Friday evening, said she could have easily noted down the number of the motorcycle had the streetlights been working.